Contestants begin distributing baits to influence voters in Mancherial panchayat polls

In Mancherial, gram panchayat election contestants have begun wooing voters with gifts even before formal campaigning. With police tightening checks on cash movement, candidates are distributing fridges, grinders and other appliances to families with multiple votes, spending up to Rs 2,000 per vote.

Mancherial: Contestants in the gram panchayat elections have already begun luring voters with various baits even before full-fledged campaigning has begun.

As per the schedule, nominations were scrutinised on Sunday and candidates can withdraw by December 3. Polling will be held in three phases starting December 11.

---

Candidates in the fray are trying to draw voter attention through different tactics. A section of contestants is reportedly gifting fridges, grinders and other home appliances to voters across several parts of the district. They are opting for appliances instead of cash, since moving cash has become risky with police intensifying vehicle checks.

The appliances are being distributed to families with at least four votes. Candidates see these gifts as viable because they cost between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000, and they are allegedly setting aside around Rs 2,000 per vote. Many have borrowed money from various sources, including local moneylenders, to fund these purchases.

Meanwhile, elders from financially strong communities are sponsoring the expenses of candidates in panchayats reserved for STs and SCs. They are backing nominees from weaker sections with the aim of controlling local bodies and securing contracts for development works. Their objective is to act as shadow sarpanches if their candidates emerge victorious.