Gold for voters

— Voters, especially women are in for a pleasant surprise in Tirupati. Instead of the traditional gifts such a saris, rings and nose pins offered to them in the previous elections, this time around they are being wooed with gold. A candidate has decided to distribute a 2 gm gold-coated emblem of Lord Balaji, costing Rs 3000, to a number of women voters, particularly in slums and rural areas. Other than this, over 2.3 lakh electorate in this temple town is being offered free cellar darshan tickers (Rs 100 each) once a week, if elected. Another lordly promise being made is of performing free weddings of all girls, willing to get married in the Lord’s abode, if voted to power. ASSAM TRIBUNE