Daringibadi: Members of ‘Narimahasangha’ in Daringibadi block of Kandhamal district have demanded an end to free liquor distribution by political parties during elections, and have warned of a poll boycott if parties continue the practice this time.
The organisation said that political parties had distributed free liquor in their area during 2014 elections to bag the votes of men.
They said they will vote for the party which promises steps to rid the state of liquor and gives them legal authority over forests and waste land, and distributes land to the landless, especially landless women.
The Narimahasangha also organised a human chain to remind all political parties about their demands. The programme was organised in the panchayats of Hatimunda, Dasingbadi, Sonpur, Sirkaberg, Danekbadi, Daringibadi and Bhramarbadi.
Sources said the Narimahasangha had always tried to make people aware about the dangers of liquor. As election day is approaching the Sangha fears that political parties may try to bag the votes of men, especially youths, by giving them free liquor and food.
The women complained that the administration has not paid attention to this electoral malpractice by political parties.
They said that by organising the human chain they were trying to persuade people not to vote for political parties who distribute free liquor.
PNN