During an intense checking and anti-sabotage operation launched by the Ardh Kumbh Mela police on Wednesday, some suspicious bags were found near Chandi bridge. On investigation, it was found that the bags had country liquor which was to be supplied to villagers for celebration of election results. They were taken into custody by the local police.
Combined search and anti-sabotage operation was launched by the anti-bomb squad and Ardh Kumbh mela police on Wednesday, where two people were arrested with the country liquor. Speaking to The Pioneer, CO Rajesh Bhatt said, “Two persons were arrested near Alaknanda hotel from a ramp in the morning who were trying to take 218 quarters of country liquor to supply for Panchayat polls. The accused have been identified as Rakesh Kumar hailing from Bairagi camp and the other is Khen Singh from Almora. They were on the way when we arrested them.”
The recent capture of liquor worth lakhs of rupees in Khanpur brought illegally to the holy city had unveiled the unfair means adopted by the contestants to win over at the Zila Panchayat elections. The whole district was abuzz with the election fever with final curtains fall on Wednesday with the announcement of the final results. The Panchayat elections assumed a greater political proportion in view of the 2017 Assembly polls.
Condemning the unfair means used in polls Rajendra Chaudhary of Congress said, “The growing trend of throwing lavish parties and distribution of liquor by the contestants is a matter of concern which needs to be checked.” Social activist from Misserpur Bahadrabad, Brijndra Chauhan also admitted the increased use of ‘Dhan bal, bahubal and daru bal’ (money, wine and physical strength) in the polls. The main tenet of Mahatma Gandhi behind Zila Panchayat is lost in thin air.
Notably, Rao Afaq Ali of Congress party had made arrangements of Kavi darbar (poetry concerts) at his place for full one month. The poets were called from distant places of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other states and the recitations were carried out till late night. The poets used to narrate all political scenarios in their poetry and throw light on different political parties.
Speaking to The Pioneer, District Magistrate Harbans Singh Chugh said, “We had made elaborate arrangements for compliance of code of conduct for the Panchayat polls. Joint raids with excise and revenue department were done periodically. Strict action would be taken for any kind of complaint lodged for non compliance of code of conduct. SDMs at tehsil level have been deputed to enquire about the miscreants and appropriate action would be taken against them.”