Dispute over ‘cash dole’ to voters

Dec 6, 2017-Police fired warning shots and resorted to baton charge following a heated dispute between supporters of the Nepali Congress and the left alliance at Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality-9 in Bardiya on Monday night over the issue of cash distribution to voters.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Yuvaraj Khadka said security personnel fired three rounds to contain the situation. The two rival political groups had charged each other with distributing cash to lure voters in the settlement of freed Kamaiyas (bonded labourers) at Janatanagar.

CPN-UML district Chairman Hari Prasad Gyawali claimed that cadres of his party had protested after the NC started distributing money. The NC, however, denied the allegation. NC district Secretary Jiwan Malla said it was the UML that gave money to voters but had pointed finger to the NC to defame the party.

Supporters of the left alliance took NC leader Taranath Ranabhat under control. Police said security personnel deployed in the area rescued Ranabhat later.

Sources said that party candidates deploy several tactics to woo voters in the settlement of freed Kamaiyas and landless squatters.

According to locals, cash distribution was rampant in the settlements of former bonded labourers and landless squatters after the silence period for the second phase of federal parliamentary and provincial assembly elections came into effect on Monday midnight.

Candidates promise the landless land while seeking votes, said Junga Bahadur BK, a voter of Khurkhurephant. Obser-vers believe violation of the election code surged with the poll authority being lenient on those flouting it in the silence period.


Published: 06-12-2017 08:36






source;http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com