Hyderabad: Telangana local body polls were marred by large-scale use of money power, the Forum for Good Governance alleged while urging the State Election Commission to take stringent action.
In a representation submitted by its president M Padmanabha Reddy, the forum claimed that although the elections were peaceful, fairness was severely compromised. It alleged widespread bribery and violations of the Model Code of Conduct during the recent Panchayat and Municipal polls.
According to the forum, Telangana has 12,769 Gram Panchayats. It claimed that in nearly 10,000 of them, candidates together spent an estimated Rs.10,000 crore. This translated to an average of about Rs.1 crore per Panchayat, it said.
The representation alleged that candidates openly distributed cash, liquor and other inducements. It cited media reports that documented several such instances. In some areas, voters reportedly staged protests demanding payment from candidates.
FGG seeks action over Telangana local body polls violations
The forum further alleged that Model Code provisions were breached during the Municipal elections. It claimed there was misuse of government resources and announcements of new schemes during the poll period without adequate enforcement.
It also alleged that after the results, defeated candidates went door to door with a photo of God and questioned voters about their choice. The forum said this amounted to evidence of bribery and sought cases against both candidates and voters involved.
Citing Articles 243-K and 243-ZA of the Constitution, the forum urged the Commission to act decisively. It also called for strict measures to curb money power in the upcoming MPTC, ZPTC and GHMC elections.