In Bhiwani village, vision for growth drowns in liquor

Sat Singh

Tribune News Service

Bhiwani, December 25

The elections to the district’s Bidhnoi village are a month away, but two candidates have reportedly spent at least Rs 20 lakh each to appease voters in five months.

The village will to polls on January 24. Kuldeep Tayal and retired government employee Banwari Lal are in the race for the sarpanch’s post. And both are well-off.

Kuldeep’s brother Sushil Kumar Tayal is a property dealer, while Banwari’s son Manoj Kumar Sheoran is a wine contractor. They have been splurging money on liquor and doling out cash to influence voters.

Roshan Lal Sheoran, a villager said: “Both candidates have spent at least Rs 20 lakh each to influence voters. They have set up places in the village, where alcohol and beverages are available for free. They have distributed Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 to the people in lieu of their votes.”

Ramphal Sheoran, a shopkeeper, said free flow of money and liquor would discourage candidates having a vision for the village from entering the fray. “There are two other educated candidates and want to develop the village, but they have failed to attract attention,” he said.

Another villager said that last time, the seat was reserved for a Scheduled Caste. “This time, the post is opened for the general category,” he added.

Tayal refused to talk and disconnected the phone, while Sheoran could not be contacted.