Money power ruling the roost in LS polls

Hyderabad: The increasing power of money in elections is being seen more in the Southern States than the rest of the country.

Of the nearly Rs 510 crore cash seized across the country, Southern States accounted to nearly Rs 350 crore out of it, which shows how the proliferation of money and also muscle power continues in elections in Southern States.

Tamil Nadu tops the list when all 29 States and Seven union territories are taken into consideration. Rs 162.7 crore cash was seized in Tamil Nadu during this Lok Sabha election.

Next, Andhra Pradesh where Rs 116 crore cash was seized during inspections by authorities. Telangana is third, but the unaccounted money seized is nearly Rs 54 crore.

In Telangana itself, Rs 10 crore of unaccounted cash was seized by authorities in a single day (April 8) taking the total amount seized to Rs 54 crore.

With the first phase of election a few hours away, these numbers are expected to increase further as political parties and candidates make attempts to lure voters by distributing cash.