News: AP among top poll spenders

Senior IAS officers posted as election observers in the northern states say they found elections in Bihar less expensive when compared with Andhra Pradesh and other Southern states.Several of them, who returned to the State for a break, narrated interesting incidents on condition of anonymity. “Election rallies in Bihar are a low-key affair and a good gathering is anywhere between 2,000 and 5,000 persons,” said a senior IAS offier. “There is no large-scale mobilisation of people like in our states. You hardly find people distributing money and indulging in vulgar display of wealth.” He added that candidates spent money on vehicles and providing food to people, particularly party activists and supporters. One officer booked a case against a candidate for providing dal, roti and sabzi to people against the Election Commission norms.“Unlike, AP where money and liquor are distributed, you find politicians providing food,” said another officer. The officers were also satisfied with the facilities extended to them in Bihar. “We had no problem with the food,” said an official. “Police made elaborate arrangements and there was frisking at every point to ensure trouble free polling.” “In one incident, Pappu Yadav had to go by road when his helicopter was seized by the police on the direction of the EC,” said another IAS officer. “He made no fuss.”However, the poverty in the northern states depressed them. “Many villages have no pucca roads unlike Andhra Pradesh and other southern States,” said one of them. “They are 20 years behind us.”