Sunday 22 March 2015

The tale of two Delhi assembly elections - Liquor  distribution increased, while cash reduces

In the just ensued elections to the Delhi assembly, parties employ various tactics to entice the voters, in this elections the liquor distribution increased while the cash distribution decreased in comparison to the 2013 assembly elections. The Delhi police in a reply to the query of RTI Activist Anil Galgali, informed that seizure of liquor increased by 26% and cash seizures decreased by 81%.

Mumbai based RTI Activist Anil Galgali sought information from the Delhi Police regarding the seizures of liquor and cash, made by it during the election campaign of 2013 & 2015, In a reply the DCP (HQ) & Public Information Officer of the Delhi Police, informed that during the 2015 Assembly poll campaign it seized cash amounting to Rs 33 Lakhs 38 Thousand 500, and Liquor in various sized bottles ranging from 1,47,613 quarter sized bottle, 7235 Half sized bottles, and 6929 full sized bottles also 1055 beer bottles also 10 litres of liquor. Where as in 2013 assembly elections it had seized cash amounting to Rs 1 crore 76 lakhs 88 thousand 540 and liquor in various sizes such as 1,16,044 quarters, 4038 Halfs, 8654 full bottles also 630 beer bottles and 2407 litres of liquor. Galgali had also sought the details of action taken on the culprit candidates or their henchmen, the query has been transferred to the PIO of the Crime Branch of Delhi Police.

Comparing the details of both the elections it can be understood that, there has been increase in episodes of liquor distribution by 26% and the cash distribution has reduced by 81%. It is also important to note that now CM Arvind Kejriwal had extensively raised the issue of cash and liquor distribution during election campaign, and had appealed to voters to be aware and alert on such enticements, but it seems the liquor and cash enticements did happen though the cash part got reduced. Looking at the figures of cash and liquor seizure, it is at best left to imagination of actually how much of those got distributed. Anil Galgali in a letter addressed to Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Police Commissioner has demanded that, the names and photos of those persons found taking part in these activities should be uploaded on the website of Delhi Govt and Delhi Police to shame them apart from the actions under due provisions of law, to ensure that at least these people do not take part in such activities again.



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