Fake cash, fake liquor being used to woo Mumbai, Thane voters

It is well-known that candidates in elections try and buy votes by literally distributing cash. They also use other enticements. Sometimes they provide free liquor. Sometimes they hold parties, often before the Election Commission’s model code of conduct kicks in, so that the expenses incurred do not form part of the statement of accounts to be submitted to election officers, as mandated by election laws. These have been standard practices in India. These form violations, and when they are detected, they are acted upon by the official machinery and taken to civil court. The punishment is often disqualification of a candidate if he or she wins an election by proven dubious means or debarment from participation in electoral tests for specified periods. Normally, booth capturing, impersonating a voter and preventing others from voting constitute crimes where the first action is not an FIR but police intervention. They are seen less these days. [caption id=“attachment_207086” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“A new genre of poll-related crimes is being developed and Maharashtra seems to have developed its repertoire - for its local elections.”]  [/caption] But a new genre of poll-related crimes is being developed. And Maharashtra seems to have developed its repertoire - for its local elections. Given the high stakes for both candidates and political parties, the phenomenon can only grow. Sakaal, a reputed Marathi newspaper from Pune, with several editions across Maharashtra and a huge circulation, reported in an edition earlier this week that candidates who were desperate for votes were indulging in acts which are patently criminal. Here’s a sampler: One, fake currency is being distributed to purchase votes. Two, adulterated liquor from across the border, sourced from the Union Territory of Daman, is being distributed to those voters who prefer a tipple to hard cash. But there’s a downside. When the people served adulterated liquor did not get the promised ‘kick’ on consumption, there was disappointment. We have to see if that turns into disenchantment and the voter kicks the candidate out instead. Three, to cut down on expenses, instead of mutton in the biryani served to prospective voters, beef was apparently used in some places. It also speaks of ‘adulteration of fish’ as part of the menu but does not explain what it means. Obviously, candidates who pour in money to win are on a cost-cutting drive in this era of sustained inflation, when inflation touched double-digits in 2011.     The newspaper made these points in general, and did not pinpoint where these transgressions occurred, and which parties or candidates were responsible. But it did mention Mumbai and Thane district, where elections to civic bodies, panchayat samitis and zilla parishads are being held; polling for the latter two got over on Tuesday, while the municipal corporations will see a vote on 16 February. The distribution of fake Rs 500 currency notes, the report says, had come to the notice of authorities after the last assembly elections in Wada area, a poor and tribal segment of Thane district. When the recipients tried to buy their home needs – largely foodgrains – with the fake money, they found out that they had been gypped. They were turned away by shopkeepers.  We do not know if the authorities acted against the culprits – or even found them – then. That discovery apparently has not discouraged the use of the same ploy this time around in these districts – Thane and Mumbai. Mumbai, though a single municipal area, is spread over two revenue districts, Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban. Though Thane district has 90-95 liquor stores and licensed country liquor stores and bars apart from several illicit distillation outfits scattered in rural areas, the preference appears to be to fetch consignments from Daman. Perhaps, the intent is not to attract attention by lifting huge stocks from local vendors. The official machinery, it would seem from newspaper reports, has been slow to act, perhaps overawed by the political bigwigs who must have given the idea a wink-and-a-nod. Without that, it would not have been possible to illegally import, transport and distribute liquor using the services of scores, if not hundreds, of political foot soldiers. It’s clearly a fit case for action. Because, if it is happening in places like Mumbai and nearby, imagine how much easier it would be to do this in the boondocks.