It is raining cash in Andhra by-elections

It is raining currency notes in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the June 12 by-elections, with authorities seizing a record Rs.32 crore in cash.

In a state notorious for distribution of money, valuables and liquor during elections, the officials also recovered gold and silver ornaments worth Rs.9 crore. Thus the value of total seizure is Rs.41 crore.

In addition, the officials have so far seized 1.74 lakh litres of liquor meant for distribution among voters.

Only one Lok Sabha and 18 assembly seats are going to the polls but this has not deterred the political parties in opening their treasures to win votes.

The elections are seen as crucial for all three major contenders -- the ruling Congress, the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party.

The seizures have already surpassed the cash and valuables seized ahead  of the 2009 elections for 42 Lok Sabha and 294 assembly seats.

According to state election officials, cash and valuables worth Rs.38 crore were seized during the last elections.

With a week still left for the by-elections, the seizures are likely to  go up.
Police in Hyderabad Wednesday seized Rs.1.30 crore from a vehicle but the investigations were still on to find out if the money was being transferred to any of the constituencies going to the polls.

According to state chief electoral officer Bhanwarlal, the Election  Commission is concerned over the huge flow of cash and liquor in the by-elections.

Election authorities were successful in tracking cash and other valuables by setting up checkposts at all entry points to the constituencies going to the polls.
Security personnel are checking vehicles in the convoys of ministers and top leaders of all parties.

The election machinery is also keeping a watch on the unusual withdrawal of money from banks or ATMs.

Nellore district, home to the Nellore Lok Sabha seat, accounts for Rs.7 crore seized so far. In Anantapur, where elections are being held for four assembly seats, Rs.6.32 crore has been recovered.