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New code words now in illicit liquor trade

By Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI NOV.29. "Arre tune Tommy ko kamre mein bandh kar diya na?'' (Hope you've locked up Tommy in the room?)... . That is not an annoyed dog owner shouting at his servant to lock up the dog, but a close aide of a senior ruling party leader here issuing directions to his supporter in code language. Here, Tommy is a code word for half a bottle of liquor.

Similar code words have been coined for other brands and categories, which will flow freely over the next 48 hours in the Capital's slum clusters, resettlement colonies and unauthorised residential pockets. Sample this: "Kutta'' means a full bottle of liquor and "pilla'' a "quarter''. Interestingly, supporters and poll managers have told the contesting candidates that cheap liquor is no longer acceptable in resettlement and unauthorised colonies. And though liquor pouches too are in demand, the candidates are wary about distributing them because of their " suspect'' quality.

In addition to liquor, blankets to keep away the cold and alarm clocks are also being distributed. Then there are langars (free kitchens) being run in many colonies where food is served to one and all. The advent of mobile phones has made things easy. The entire liquor distribution operation is conducted over mobile phones and directions issued for distributing the consignments in specific areas.

Adequate care is taken to store the liquor in some obscure place to escape the preying eyes of the Election Commission observers. There is very little fear of the police as it is mostly done allegedly with their connivance. "We cannot do anything without the help of the police. Every one knows that liquor will be distributed in areas dominated by the lower middle class and the poor,'' remarked a sitting MLA from North-West Delhi.

A number of contesting candidates acknowledged that they purchase liquor directly from distributors at one-fourth of the market price and in the process evade excise duty. The State Government will stand to lose around Rs. 10 crores in excise duty during election time due to distribution of liquor. Candidates are also taking adequate precautions to ensure that adulterated liquor is not distributed.

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