Post-Poll Drama in Telangana as Defeated Candidates Seek Refunds
In an unusual turn of events following the municipal election results in Telangana, defeated candidates are reportedly engaging in a controversial post-poll drama by going door to door across several towns. They are asking residents to return cash and gifts that were distributed during the campaign period. This situation has escalated from quiet requests to heated confrontations in many areas, drawing public attention and outrage.
Viral Videos Fuel Outrage Amid Official Denials
Several videos capturing defeated candidates or their relatives demanding refunds have gone viral on social media platforms. These clips show intense interactions where residents are pressured to return items or swear they voted for the candidates. Despite the widespread circulation of these videos, officials from the State Election Commission have stated that no formal complaints regarding the distribution of money or attempts to recover gifts have been received. They also claimed not to have seen the viral footage, adding a layer of controversy to the unfolding events.
Reports of Clashes Across Multiple Districts
Incidents of clashes between candidates and residents have been reported from various districts including Medchal Malkajgiri, Khammam, Suryapet, Peddapalli, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Jagtial, and Nizamabad. In many cases, residents have pushed back against the demands, arguing that they never requested the money or gifts, which were given voluntarily. They assert that it is inappropriate for candidates to seek returns after losing the elections.
Details of Campaign Gifts and Distribution
On the eve of polling on February 10, candidates in some municipalities and wards allegedly distributed between ₹2,500 and ₹3,000 per vote in a last-minute effort to influence voters. In addition to cash, gifts such as pressure cookers and sarees were reportedly given to women voters. After their defeat, candidates from various political parties and independents began suspecting that certain colonies did not support them, leading to the refund demands.
Specific Incidents Highlighted in Viral Clips
- One viral video shows a man and a woman, linked to a prominent party, carrying sarees away from residents. When questioned by voters, the woman is heard saying, "if they got one vote, the opposition got four."
- In another clip, a woman believed to be a candidate is seen pressuring a voter to promise they voted for her. After receiving assurance, she marks the voter's name on a list.
- In Muduchintalapalli in Medchal Malkajgiri district, candidates allegedly visited households soon after counting day to seek repayment.
- In Banda Madharam ward of Yellampet municipality near Hyderabad, the husband of a defeated independent candidate reportedly asked residents to either return the money or swear they voted for his wife.
- In Aswaraopeta in Kothagudem district, a video shows a candidate asking voters to return pressure cookers worth about ₹2,500 each that were distributed before polling.
Mixed Responses from Residents
In some instances, residents have willingly returned money after being approached by relatives of candidates. However, others have refused and challenged the candidates to involve the police. A local leader from Kothagudem municipal corporation described a situation where women revolted against candidates, stating they did not ask for the cookers and that the gifts were given voluntarily late on February 9 in hopes of securing votes. Similar incidents have been reported from Mancherial, Bhuvanagiri, and Suryapet districts, indicating a broader pattern across the state.
This post-election scenario underscores ongoing issues with campaign practices and voter influence in Telangana's municipal elections, raising questions about accountability and ethical conduct in the political process.
