Most of the Wikileaks released by The Hindu focussed on Swiss Bank accounts and the Confidence Motion. However there was a very interesting leak* highlighting the latest innovations by Indian netas in bribing voters. Wah Sarkar presents to you 3 of our MPs along with their state of the art bribing techniques.

1. The Newspaper Briber

M.K.Azhagiri (DMK) – MP from Madurai, Tamil Nadu ; Total Assets: 19 crores+ ;Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers ; Son of M. Karunanidhi

USP: Morning newspaper distributed rolled with bribe kit inside. Kit includes currency notes (Rs. 5000) + DMK voting slip with voting instructions.

Quotable Quotes: “…giving bribes (to) every voter wasted money on committed anti-DMK voters, but … it was an effective way to ensure the cash reached every potential persuadable voter”. [Mr. Patturajan – Azhagiri’s confidant]

2. The Strategic Briber

P.Chidambaram (INC) – MP from Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu ; Total Assets: 27 crores+ ; Union Minister of Home Affairs ;ribe Campaign managed by proud son – Karti Chidambaram

USP: Focus on villages undecided about supporting Chidambaram. Donate heavily to local temples and community halls.

Quotable Quotes: “Anil Ambani can’t win an election just by paying people off. It doesn’t work that way. Candidates need a strong party apparatus in order to win elections, but bribes can help put you over the top in a close race” [Karti Chidambaram]

“Karti is doing a good job in Sivaganga. He is distributing some money to the people, which his father won’t do.” [President, Tamil Nadu Youth Congress]

3. The Ethical Briber

Asaduddin Owaisi (AMIM) – MP from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh ; Total Assets: 93 lakhs+ ; 4 Pending Criminal Cases ; Owaisi family has been in power for 8 consecutive terms in Hyderabad

USP: Cash bribes not distributed to voters. Instead “Worthy Requests” to be funded. Provide money for wells and marriages.

Quotable Quotes: “Of, course,but that’s the great thing about democracy.” [Mr. Owais’s response when the U.S. Consulate-General officials asked if donations like wells or marriage fees were not illegal]

* Cable (May 13, 2009-206688: confidential) sent to the State Department by Frederick J. Kaplan, Acting Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate-General in Chennai.