‘Notes for Votes’: Voters Protest Demanding Money From Candidates on Eve of Polling in Andhra Pradesh (Watch Video)

On the eve of polling in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, a group of voters staged a protest on Sunday demanding money for votes. The concept of "notes for votes" is not new in Telugu states; as inflation rose, the price of votes also rose.

Polling begins in AP for 175 assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats. Campaigning concluded on Saturday evening, but money distribution continued in some places. Voters in Sattenapalli of Palnadu district staged protests and expressed dissatisfaction on the streets.

Also Read | Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu cast votes.

Voters Protest Over Unpaid Cash For Vote

Munugode repeat : Sattenapally Voters Demand Bribes

Protest Over Unpaid Bribes in Palnadu

In Sattenapally, Andhra Pradesh, voters from the 18th ward took to the streets in protest. They were upset because they did not receive the bribe money they were promised for voting. The… pic.twitter.com/KPy3jRGuVQ

— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) May 12, 2024

According to the Times of India report, protesters claimed that they were promised money in exchange of votes, which they have not received. This has led to a confrontation with local leaders and has drawn attention to the broader issue of corruption within the electoral system. A political party, in its efforts to secure victory against its rival candidate in Pithapuram constituency, has allegedly resorted to unethical tactics. 

The party supporters promised Rs 5,000 per vote in the Pithapuram constituency. But they gave money to a few and ignored other voters. Following this, a few women staged a protest in front of the political party's office.

The situation escalated when voters surrounded the office, accusing party leaders of failing to deliver on their promises of monetary compensation for votes. The police intervened to disperse the crowd.

Price ranges across AP in some of the constituencies:
Vijayawada East: Rs 1,000 – Rs 2,000
Vijayawada Central: Rs 1,000 – Rs 1,500
Vijayawada West: Rs 1,500 – Rs 2,000
Mylavaram: Rs 1,000 - Rs 2000
Pulivendula: Rs 2,000 – Rs 3,000
Pithapuram: Rs 5,000
Mangalagiri: Rs 4,000 – Rs 6,000
Ongole: Rs 5,000
Tenali: Rs 1,000 – Rs 1,500
Visakhapatnam: Rs 1,500 – Rs 5,000
Kadapa: Rs 2000 - Rs 4,000
Guntur: Rs 5,000
Nellore: Rs 3,000
Northern tip of AP (mostly rural areas): Rs 500 - 1,000