Hyderabad: BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan approached the State Election Commission and the Governor of Telangana, seeking a probe into alleged black money use in recent Sarpanch and municipal elections.

In his complaint, he alleged that money power had distorted the democratic process in several local bodies. He cited reports from the Moinabad municipal elections, where candidates allegedly distributed ₹70,000 per vote along with 25 kg of rice. He also claimed that an independent candidate reportedly spent ₹7 crore to win a local seat.

Calling the trend alarming, Dasoju Sravan said such spending undermines democratic values. “What we are witnessing is not a mandate; it is a hostile takeover of our values,” he said. He added that excessive expenditure had reduced elections to financial contests.

Dasoju Sravan seeks audit and ACB inquiry

Referring to reports from Medak, the BRS leader said a candidate allegedly claimed to have spent ₹13 crore for a Sarpanch post. He argued that such spending weakens accountability and public service.

According to him, candidates who invest crores in local polls may focus on recovering money after victory. Therefore, he warned that unchecked monetisation could damage the bond between voters and representatives.

In his representation, he demanded a special audit of assets and actual poll expenditure in high-spend zones. Moreover, he sought an Anti-Corruption Bureau inquiry to trace the alleged money trail.

He also urged the Commission to invoke Section 10A of the Representation of the People Act against those who violated expenditure limits. Finally, Dasoju Sravan called upon the SEC to act swiftly to safeguard democratic values in local governance.