APN News

More than 40 per cent cash seized from AP

By Ch. Narendra

Hyderabad (Hindusthan Samachar):  Money power probably playing havoc to maximum level in the state of Andhra Pradesh, compared to other parts of the country during ongoing elections. This was evident from the highest amount seized by the police during surprise checkings.

While, till now Rs 265 crore of unaccounted cash was seized all over the country, more than 40 per cent, to the extent of Rs 103.39 crore was seized in Andhra Pradesh alone.

According to State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Bhanwar Lal this cash has been seized so far in enforcement of model code of conduct for the Legislative assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh.

The police on early Friday seized Rs 45 lakh from Kamala, the wife of Parathasarathy, a former minister in the state cabinet. The police have seized the said amount from an RTC bus which was on its way to Vijayawada near Vanasthalipuram in Hyderabad. Parthasarathy only last week jumped to YSR Congress Party from Congress and has been contesting in the polls on YSR Congress Party ticket from Machilipatnam Lok Sabha constituency.

The political parties apart from using social media like Facebook and twitter for campaigning, are also using the technology like RTGS and gift vouchers to lure the voters. A large amount of money was being transferred from one bank account to several other accounts using RTGS in the state after the election notification was issued. The officials also noticed withdrawal of huge amounts through ATMs in several districts. Likewise, the contesting  candidates are giving gift vouchers to candidates.

“We have complaints that gift vouchers were issued in East Godavari and West Godavari districts. The trend is also witnessed in other districts too,” Bhanwar Lal said. He held a meeting with bankers and sought the information of bank accounts which received huge amounts of money suddenly.

The CEO also sought the information of huge amounts of cash being withdrawn from the ATMs. “Around 30 to 40 per cent of more cash was withdrawn from ATMs in some districts like Medak against the normal monthly withdrawals. The bankers will furnish the information of all the districts soon,” Bhanwar Lal said. He warned that those who received cash or gift vouchers and who distributed them too would face criminal charges.

Bhanwar Lal said that the publicity on internet will also be counted in the candidate or party’s expenditure account. The CEO ordered for a DVD of Nandamuri Balakrishna’s latest blockbuster ‘Legend.’ “I have ordered for one DVD of Legend, as I have received complaints that the film is influencing the voters and ban screening of the movie. The media certificate and monitoring committee will watch the movie and decide whether the movie will influence voters or not,” the CEO said. Balakrishna, who is in lead role in Legend, was a star campaigner for TDP and also contesting from Hindupur Assembly seat.

The CEO also added that he was not convinced with the clarifications given by the Lok satta Party, TDP and YSRC on the assurances given in their manifestos. He sent the clarifications and the complaints received from the public to the Election Commission.

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