₹70,000 Per Vote? Allegations Rock Moinabad Municipal Polls

As the results of the Telangana municipal elections were declared, allegations of large-scale inducements behind the scenes have surfaced, raising serious concerns about electoral integrity . In Moinabad municipality of Ranga Reddy district, the scale of money allegedly spent per vote has sparked debate over the state of democracy.

According to local sources, an independent candidate allegedly distributed ₹70,000 in cash per vote , along with 25 kg of rice, 15 litres of cooking oil and a silk saree. It is being claimed that nearly ₹70,000 was spent on each vote. The candidate is said to have won the election with a margin of about 200 votes . Reports suggest that as much as ₹7 crore was spent in total to secure victory. Allegations have also emerged that attempts to purchase elected representatives took place after the results were announced. It is further claimed that following the victory, the candidate was shifted to a “safe location” by family members and supporters.

Another major contestant in the same race is also facing allegations of spending approximately ₹40,000 per vote .

Moinabad has recently gained prominence as a rapidly developing real estate hub . With agricultural lands being converted into high-value farmhouse projects, the region has become attractive to realtors. Observers believe this surge in land value has intensified the influence of money in local politics .

Analysts express concern that such developments are discouraging educated and committed individuals from entering public life. They note that even those who once aspired to contest as Members of Parliament now hesitate to contest even a municipal ward due to the escalating financial demands. With crores allegedly required both for party tickets and vote mobilisation, common citizens are effectively priced out of the democratic process.

Critics argue that the Election Commission’s inaction has allowed elections to drift from a contest of ideals to what they describe as a high-stakes auction , underscoring the need for greater transparency and stricter regulation to safeguard democratic values.