Indian voters bribed with drugs

[23536]

Punjab politicians had the voters literally on a drug high. Not only liquor, the candidates in fray ensured that people get the drug of their choice. The drug menu on table during a fortnight long elections had a wide range -- from heroin, poppy seeds, drug power, intoxicating tablets to syrup.

How easily and widely the drugs and intoxicants were available during the state elections could be gauged from the election commission's seizure of drugs worth Rs 40 crore. The drugs seized, are normally, not more than 10-15 % percent of the total circulation.

"We believe that the drugs were for electoral purposes," said deputy election commissioner Alok Shukla.

Intoxicants of different kinds play a bigger role in Punjab politics than any other state in India. A commission official explained that bribing a voter is not rampant in Punjab because of its economic influence. But, drug addiction is a huge problem and a probable way to woo electorate.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-...high-in-Punjab-elections/Article1-804251.aspx

 

[caterva]

It's disturbingly brilliant, I don't even know what to say... I wish someone would bribe me with some dope for my vote; oh wait, I forgot, I can't vote anymore.

 

[23536]

I wish there were more details on this. Maybe it makes sense in Hindi, but the English here is confusing. Nevertheless, better-written stories on this matter are less detailed.

Are they giving out free drugs at the polls, or just permitting drugs to be sold in the polls' vicinities? Either way, it's a good ploy to motivate the poor. Maybe Indians are not as drunk on morality as Westerners.

Obama should do this! :D

 

[LogicSoDeveloped]

^ That would certainly help his re-election campaign, whether I like him or not.

Free drugs are certainly motivation for a niche crowd. It wouldn't motivate me but I do know a few addicts that threw away morality and pride away long ago. Not saying all addicts are like this, just some of the ones I know.