High gives way to dry

Original Report

igh gives way to dry
4 May 2009, 0343 hrs IST, Rajan Walia, TNN
Print Email Discuss Share Save Comment Text:
CHANDIGARH: The free flow of liquor to woo masses ahead of ballot battle is set to be plugged with UT administration directing excise and
taxation department to compare city vends’ daily sale figures with their last year’s data relating to the corresponding period to check any unusual spurt. This would especially be followed in case of outlets located in slums and colonies.

In case of irregularities, complaints would be sent to ECI. During a recent visit, chief election commissioner Naveen Chawla instructed administrative and police officials to ensure that candidates did not distribute liquor among the electorate, especially 48 hours before the polling day.

Meanwhile, the administration declared that dry days would be observed on May 11 (from 5pm), 12, 13 and 16.

According to information, though officers have already begun inspecting vends, checking would be intensified from next week. The violators face the threat of being challaned, an officer said.

In fact, free flow of liquor has already been reported from some key areas across the city. Sources said slum or village ‘pradhan’ is summoned by poll managers of various parties, which supply the demanded number of bottles.

Normally, the alleged distribution of liquor and cash packets in slums begins a couple of days before the elections. But sources added parties had begun hoarding alcohol to ensure they did not run out it at the crucial hour.

Even the poll officers have been briefed about the menace. “We have been told to keep an eye on the daily sales of liquor. We’ll note down the details and and suspicious increase will be probed,” one of them said.

Incidentally, voters from slums, colonies and villages form the major chunk of all parties’ votebank. “Everybody wants to woo them,” a source said. “We are also keeping an eye on reports of liquor being smuggled to Punjab,” an officer said.

Credibility:     

0