Twenty-one states have gone to polls since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and Karnataka — the 22nd — is already among the top three states where money power in polls is at full display.
Karnataka has already sent alarm bells ringing in EC as it has recorded a steep rise in cash and liquor seizures in 2018 compared to the 2013 assembly elections.
NEW DELHI: Even before it goes to polls, Karnataka has earned a top slot in a power list. It is among the top three states in the country in terms of election related cash and illicit liquor and goods seizures, shows Election Commission data.
Twenty-one states have gone to polls since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and Karnataka — the 22nd — is already among the top three states where money power in polls is at full display.
At over Rs 120 crore cumulative seizure recorded so far in Karnataka, the southern state is barely behind Tamil Nadu that clocked in Rs 130.99 crore cumulative seizure in the 2016 assembly elections.
Uttar Pradesh has the dubious distinction of topping the nation wide tally in terms of election related seizures, with a cumulative seizure of Rs 193.29 crore recorded in 2017 elections.
Karnataka has already sent alarm bells ringing in EC as it has recorded a steep rise in cash and liquor seizures in 2018 compared to the 2013 assembly elections.
With less than a week to go before polls, the amounts are only expected to grow as political parties dole out last-minute goodies to win over voters.
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This, sources said, could even take seizure value beyond Tami Nadu figures and move Karnataka to the second place on this power list. MISSION KARNATAKA Karnataka is in the last leg of a high stake electoral battle where the incumbent Congress is fighting hard to retain the only large state it is left ruling. Both the BJP and the Congress are pulling out all stops to win the state and the same is indicated clearly through record money flow being witnessed in the state ahead of the 11 May poll.
While the 2013 assembly election saw about Rs 14 crore worth cumulative seizure including cash worth Rs 4 crore, the figures so far indicate Rs 120 crore worth cumulative seizure with 20 crore cash seized until 30 April.
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While a 10-20% rise in money flow and consequent seizures ahead of elections is not unprecedented, alarm bells are ringing in the Election Commission with the state recording a 88% rise as on date.
There is also a clear rise in movement of gold ahead of elections with seizure of the yellow metal rising. Against a near Rs 1 lakh illicit litre liquor seizure during 2013 assembly elections, Karnataka has already seen over 10 lakh litres of liquor seizure.
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It is learnt that the liquor seizure was only stepped up after the EC prodded the state government hard to make changes in the Excise department. The EC also ordered over 20 transfers in the state following complaints from Opposition leaders of officials being influenced by the incumbent Congress led government in the state.
MONEY POWER The steep rise in flow of cash and liquor ahead of elections is not restricted to Karnataka. It is a trend being replicated across states over the last few years and has the Election Commission of India considerably worried.
Since 2014 Lok Sabha elections which saw a staggering Rs 303 crore cash seizure and Rs 1,200 crore cumulative seizure, the tally has only been rising.
