People stand in a serpentine queue outside a bank after demonetisation.
People stand in a serpentine queue outside a bank after demonetisation.

Demonetisation affects Odisha's panchayat election campaign

Acute shortage of smaller denomination currency notes including Rs 100 and Rs 500 post-demonetisation will affect the panchayat elections.

JAGATSINGHPUR: Acute shortage of smaller denomination currency notes including Rs 100 and Rs 500 post-demonetisation will affect the three-tire panchayat elections in Jagatsingpur district. 

Most of the campaigns run on cash, a lot of it illicit, and the demonetisation move has compelled parties to relook at their options. Candidates, in particular, are facing serious difficulties in raising money to buy votes, a common practice during the elections. 

Political observers state that shortage of new Rs 500 notes and ban on Rs 1000 currency will affect the distribution of cash among voters, a time-tested way of cornering votes.

Campaigning by political parties or different candidates may also take a hit as many depend on unaccounted cash for the same. Realising it, many candidates including political party leaders have started  the collection of Rs 100 and Rs 500 for distribution among the people to influence voting pattern which is common in rural areas. 

Those selling campaign material also feel that the move would have an adverse impact on their business this time. 

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The New Indian Express
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