Gone are the days when alcohol used to flow in Punjab and cash was distributed for votes, but a survey revealed that the trend has changed with UP taking over the No. 1 title from Punjab in alcohol distribution before elections.
Country Pistols & Country Liquor: UP Gets Into Dashing Election Mode
According to official data, a total of 1.98 lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 6.06 crore has been seized till now in UP, while another 10,646 litres of liquor worth Rs 17.54 lakh was seized in Punjab.
Although the code of conduct has been implemented in the state, criminals are finding their way out of it. Let's find out what role does alcohol and weapon play during elections.
UP's Dabangg Liquor
You might remember Salman Khan's Dabangg released in 2010. Salman plays a fearless police inspector Chulbul Pandey. The movie is based in Kanpur, UP. From here, the title of Dabangg become a status symbol and a new brand for a country liquor owner.
As the election date comes closer, the country liquor companies have also increased their production of alcohol.
Due to the growing demand, more and more alcohol is being brought in from neighbouring states.
Even though the police seizes illegal alcohol on a regular basis, but that is proving to put no dent on the ever-flourishing business.
No Shortage of Cash for Election!
UP is also dominated by cash for vote. This has been happening for a very long time. Deals are stuck with the villagers for their votes. This is done by the rich and influential people of the village. The candidate receives cash from these influential people and buys the votes of villagers.
According to official data, a total of Rs 56.04 crore in cash has been seized from Uttar Pradesh till now.
Even demonetisation did not have any major impact on this. The more influential you are, the more cash you possess. Notes ranging from the denomination of Rs 2000 to Rs 500 to smaller digits like Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50 and Rs 100 were also getting seized.
Why Supply Illegal Weapons?
All licensed weapons have been confiscated since the implementation of code of conduct. So now the thugs only have illegal weapons in their possession. This resulted in an influx in the sale of illegal weapons. The state police has been seizing many illegal weapons in the entire state.
(This story was originally published on QuintHindi.)
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