There was panic at the polling stations in Banswara and Chityal of Telangana when voters and opposition workers made serious allegations against the policemen of openly campaigning in favor of the Congress party and distributing money. Putting election ethics at stake, even a Sub-Inspector (SI) of Police was seen allegedly addressing the voters, which has created a political storm in the entire state.
Cases seen in Banswara and Chityal Municipality
The situation became tense in the 9th Ward of Banswara Municipality when BRS workers stopped a police constable. It is alleged that this constable was advising voters to vote for Congress. Opposition activists say that the police, which should have been maintaining law and order, was today seen standing as an agent of a political party.
At the same time, the matter became more serious in the first ward of Chityal Municipality, where workers of other parties alleged that the Congress candidate was openly distributing cash and the police remained a silent spectator.
Administrative machinery is openly promoting corruption
The most shocking revelation in this entire incident is the alleged statement of an SI which remains a topic of discussion. According to sources, this officer, while directly addressing the voters, said, ‘If they (opposition) are giving you Rs 4,000, then you take Rs 5,000 from us (Congress).’ This statement not only promotes corruption but also shows how the administrative machinery is being used by political parties.
The incident became a challenge for the Election Commission
This incident has come to light at a time when local body elections are being held for the first time after the formation of the Congress government in Telangana. For the past several months, BRS and other opposition parties have been accusing the police department of favoring the Congress. Banswara is considered a stronghold of BRS and such incidents here indicate the old government machinery coming under pressure.
This has become a big challenge for the Election Commission. If voters are intimidated or enticed, the meaning of democracy is lost. The ground reality is that the common man wants justice, not politics of currency. Now it remains to be seen what action the Commission takes against these leaders in uniform.
