Chhattisgarh: Netaji asks voters to return pre-poll gifts as he loses panchayat election

A politician asked the voters in his locality to return all the gifts that he had given them before the elections. The candidate's decision came after he lost the panchayat elections.

Such incident has been reported from Chhattisgarh's Raipur district where one Manohar Dewangan asked his voters to return the gifts and freebies, which he had distributed during the campaigning and want not to lose the gifts after being defeated in the ongoing 3-tier panchayat polls at Arangjanpad panchayat in the district.

One of the common prevalent beliefs on electoral malpractices is the covert exercise adopted by political candidates who in an attempt to woo the electorates engage in distributing gifts and freebies during the poll campaigns.

According to The New Indian Express report, Dewangan got angry on the voters in his locality as he failed to win the election even after he offered gifts but did not make him the winner. This apart he also rebuked the voters and clearly asked them to return the offers.

Interestingly, Dewangan has also identified a public spot nearer to a local bus stand, to surrender all the offerings and handouts, he had given them ahead of the elections to secure their backing. Many were seen bringing the gift items from their homes and returning them at the public platform near the bus stand.

On the other hand, people have felt humiliated and also infuriated with Dewangan's attitude. Some dared to argue with him only to encounter his uncharacteristic display of temper.

They have also alleged that Dewangan had initially consulted the voters about their demands and now humiliating the people.

Meanwhile, the state election commissioner took a serious note of the turn of events.

The state election commissioner, Thakur Ram Singh told the Express“It has come to our notice. The police have registered an FIR against him. The investigation has begun on such malpractice. Based on the findings, further action would be initiated."

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