Seizures in AP till date surpasses 2009 poll cash recoveries

Unaccounted hard currencies and valuables seized in Andhra Pradesh since the Model Code of Conduct came into force for the upcoming elections, have already crossed entire cash recovery figures of 2009 polls, officials said today.

Till yesterday, Rs 38 crore in cash, 21 kg gold and 121 kg silver and 6,000 bottles of liquor had been seized across the state, which goes to polls in two phases on April 30 and May seven. 

Authorities have formed 911 flying squads and set up 899 check posts as part of measures to enforce the Model Code. We will increase their numbers (flying squads and check posts). By seeing the trend as of now...yes we feel that the money flow is very high because in the last general elections in 2009 the entire seizure was Rs 36 crore cash whereas in the initial stage of elections this year we have already seized more than Rs 38 crore, the state Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwar Lal told reporters here today.

 We have to be very alert and I want media also to make the people alert. Definitely, we will not allow the influence of money over the voting patterns, he said.