Poll candidates bribe voters via online route
Bengaluru, April 27: Fulfilling the dream of digital India, candidates are taking the online route to distribute cash to voters, and setting Jan-Dhan accounts jingling. “Half now, half after you vote." That's the promise of the candidates who have been neatly hoodwinking poll officials by making the transfer to voters through the online route, reports The Times Of India.
Trusted lieutenants of candidates collect voters' bank account details and mobile numbers. Later, they call and take a pledge from them to vote for a particular candidate in lieu of Rs 2,000. The first instalment of Rs 1,000 is transferred to the account immediately, and the second is promised after May 12, provided, of course, the candidate wins. Sources in the know said that the candidate does not transfer the money from his personal account but from the accounts of their trusted workers or businessman, giving no room for any suspicion. "Since the fund transfer is in thousands, the income-tax department doesn't spot it,'' said a businessman from Basavanagudi.
The direct benefit transfer or DBT scheme introduced by the Centre for various subsidized welfare schemes seems to have found a new purpose. “The direct cash transfer scheme will not only buy votes but also ensure voter loyalty,” said a trusted aide of a BJP candidate in Bengaluru.
A waiter at a popular bar and restaurant in R T Nagar was surprised when his bank account was suddenly credited with Rs 1,000, but soon he realized that his parents had shared his account and phone details with supporters of a Congress candidate.
There is a ‘family DBT scheme’ too. Chand Pasha (name changed), a resident of Yelahanka, received Rs 5,000, reportedly from a candidate, for his family of five voters.
The candidate does not transfer the money from his personal account but from the accounts of their trusted workers or businessman, giving no room for any suspicion. “Since the transfer is in thousands, the IT department doesn’t spot it,’’ said a businessman from Basavangudi.
Though the Election Commission is keeping a tab on bank accounts, such transfers are taking place blatantly, thanks to digital gateway payment mobile apps. “It’s hard to prove that the money was deposited to buy votes,” a poll observer appointed by the EC to monitor such cases said.
What has added currency to this ‘direct cash transfer scheme’ is that almost everyone, rural areas included, holds a bank account, thanks to the Jan-Dhan scheme of the Centre.
EC officials claim that they are keeping a strict watch on every transaction taking place with the help of banks, but they still cannot be foolproof. “We too have been receiving such complaints and have increased vigil, though are yet to figure out how to keep track of mobile app payments,” said chief electoral officer Sanjiv Kumar.
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Adequate LPG stock in Chhattisgarh, no need to panic, says CM Sai
Raipur (PTI): Amid reports of shortage of commercial LPG cylinder in several parts of the country due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday assured people that they need not worry about the availability of cooking gas in the state.
He asserted that adequate stock of LPG as well as petrol and diesel was available in the state.
Sai said in a statement that authorities have been directed to regularly monitor stock at gas agencies and keep a close watch on the supply chain. Necessary instructions were issued to officials in all districts to ensure a smooth supply of LPG.
The chief minister instructed officials to take strict action if any complaint of black marketing or hoarding of LPG cylinders is received.
Sai urged state residents not to pay attention to rumours and to book cooking gas cylinders as per their actual requirement.
The government was fully alert to ensure the availability of essential commodities to citizens, he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Hotel and Restaurant Association has issued an advisory to hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food businesses across the state, urging them to maintain calm and avoid panic buying.
In the advisory, Taranjeet Singh Hora, president of the association, asked members to maintain coordination and immediately inform it about any major disruption in LPG supply.
He cautioned businesses against hoarding cylinders, saying such practices could worsen the situation for the entire hospitality sector.
The association advised hotels and restaurants to prioritise essential kitchen operations, core menu items and already committed banquet events.
Use electric cooking equipment wherever possible for emergency and staff kitchens such as induction cooktops, electric hot plates, electric rice cookers and kettles, the advisory stated.
