No money, no liquor

The family decided to make their stand public by placing a board outside their house. The message was clear: they would not distribute money, liquor or gifts, and voters were urged to think honestly and vote for the future of their village

Money, liquor and inducements have become almost synonymous with village elections, often reducing democracy to a transaction. In this atmosphere, an unusual and inspiring story has emerged from Bhiknur mandal in Kamareddy district, where a woman candidate has chosen values over vote-buying.

The Sarpanch seat in Bhiknur is reserved for women, and P. Maithrei has entered the fray with a clear message: no money, no liquor and no gifts in exchange for votes. Highly educated, Maithrei holds an MA, MPhil and B.Ed degree. Her husband, Sridhar Reddy, is an Agricultural Engineering graduate with an MBA in Rural Management, who previously worked in the United States.

After spending a few years abroad, the couple decided to return to their native village nearly nine years ago, determined to build a life rooted in agriculture and public service. They enrolled their children in government schools and took up farming in the village. Today, their commitment reflects in their children’s achievements — one is a final-year MBBS student in a Government Medical College, another is pursuing BA LLB at NALSAR University, while the youngest is studying Intermediate.

Despite their strong educational background and clean image, campaigning turned out to be an eye-opener. As Maithrei went door-to-door requesting votes without offering liquor, cash or gifts, some villagers allegedly began asking for bottles and money, highlighting how inducements have become an accepted expectation rather than an exception.

Troubled by this reality, the family decided to make their stand public by placing a board outside their house. The message was clear: they would not distribute money, liquor or gifts, and voters were urged to think honestly and vote for the future of their village.

In an election culture driven by caste equations, prestige battles and financial muscle, Maithrei’s campaign has challenged the prevailing norms. Many question whether such an approach can succeed, but for several villagers, it has reignited a conversation about integrity, self-respect and the true meaning of local self-governance.

Win or lose, the Bhiknur campaign has already become a reminder that clean politics, though difficult, is still possible.