High spirits despite checks

Come elections and it is raining liquor everywhere. Economy-class brands such as Bagpiper and Officer's Choice are the favourite items which voters are getting from different political parties.

Come elections and it is raining liquor everywhere. Economy-class brands such as Bagpiper and Officer’s Choice are the favourite items which voters are getting from different political parties. Although the Excise department has made strict arrangements to keep a check on the flow of liquor,voters in low-income groups are enjoying the country-made liquor while the middle-class segment is gulping down the economy brands.

Sources confirmed that more than 3,000 cartons of country-made liquor have already been distributed by politicians in the city. As against the market price of Rs 90 for country-made liquor,in bulk,the bottle costs Rs 35.

Sources confirmed that these contractors are bringing the supplies without paying any taxes and hence they are charging less from candidates. However,the economy-class brands are being served in limited quantity.

On the instructions of the Election Commission,all liquor shops are closed since Monday evening and they will remain shut till Wednesday evening. Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner Parampal Singh said,”We had already restricted quotas in the past. Hence,no contractor is having bulk supplies,so I don’t think anyone can supply huge quantity to anyone. Moreover,in the past we have seized illicit liquor and even smuggled liquor in a large quantity.”

While the officer denied any free flow of liquor,voters in Giaspura,Jawahar Nagar camp,Sawaddi,Dhandari,many labour colonies and Haibowal are having a gala time. A voter in Haibowal speaking on condition of anonymity said,”I had to purchase liquor stock for my son’s wedding,but now I have got enough quota from political parties. This can serve well in the gathering which I am inviting.”

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