Telangana Congress candidate asks voters to return 'gifts' fearing defeat, voters fume

Tensions erupted in Ward Number 10 of Aswaraopet Municipality in Telangana’s Khammam district after a Congress candidate allegedly demanded the return of cash and pressure cookers distributed to voters ahead of the municipal elections. Residents staged a protest on the day of the results by placing the newly distributed cookers in the middle of the road, accusing the candidate of attempting to reclaim the items after sensing defeat.

According to local residents, M Haribabu, the Congress candidate for the ward, had distributed money and household items during the campaign. However, after the party failed to secure victory in the ward, he allegedly began asking beneficiaries to return the items. Protesters said they felt insulted and intimidated by the demand. “We never asked for money or cookers. Why are we being insulted now?” several residents said during the demonstration.

Police personnel reached the spot as the protest gathered momentum and briefly detained a few individuals to disperse the crowd and prevent escalation. Authorities said the situation was brought under control and urged political leaders and workers to maintain peace. No major clashes were reported.

The incident has once again brought allegations of electoral malpractice into focus during the civic polls. In recent weeks, Telangana Police registered multiple cases related to violations of the Model Code of Conduct. According to Director General of Police Shivdhar Reddy, assets worth over ₹3.09 crore were seized across the state, including ₹1.29 crore in unaccounted cash, liquor valued at ₹1.21 crore, drugs worth ₹15.7 lakh, precious metals worth ₹28.69 lakh, and freebies valued at ₹13 lakh.

A total of 142 FIRs were registered for Model Code of Conduct violations, while 988 cases were filed for various election-related offences. Officials have not yet confirmed whether a formal complaint has been lodged against the candidate in the Aswaraopet incident. Residents, however, said they would continue to seek action, describing the alleged demand as an affront to their dignity and right to vote freely.