Party time for leaders

By Our Correspondent

Hyderabad, March 6: Bars and restaurants in the city are back in business, thanks to the announcement of election schedule.

Political leaders and operators are busy organising and throwing gala parties for followers and “opinion moulders.” Moreover, these parties are not just restricted for political workers and the rank and file.

Booze parties are being organised everywhere. Around 1,500 bars and restaurants in the twin cities are buzzing with political activity.

Partying has become the order of the day in the outskirts as well. Here the neo-rich politicians don’t mind spending lavishly.

In fact, emerging leaders fear that they would be underestimated by their peers if they hesitate to throw lavish parties frequently.

According to sources, each ticket aspirant has to spend anywhere between Rs 5 lakh and 10 lakh during the elections only to organise parties for close followers and influential people in the respective localities.

Telugu Desam leaders are reportedly ahead of others in organising parties for media persons too.

“Please everybody” is the mantra to succeed in the elections, said a Desam leader.

The recession-hit hotels have also got some of their business back. “Election season helps bars and restaurants with politicians and followers visiting them regularly,” said B. Jagadish Rao, general secretary of AP Hotels’ Association.