Adilabad: As Telangana’s local body elections gather momentum, rural pockets of the erstwhile Adilabad district are witnessing a sharp spike in unauthorised liquor outlets, widely known as belt shops.

These makeshift stores—already a persistent presence in many villages—have expanded rapidly in recent weeks, allegedly driven by political efforts to woo voters with alcohol.

In the absence of licensed wine shops in most villages, many residents rely on these illegal outlets, where liquor is sold openly at prices roughly 20 percent higher than the MRP.

Operators reportedly source their stock covertly from authorised stores and are believed to pay regular kickbacks to evade police action. While the government sees a rise in official liquor sales, the illegal network continues to flourish at the village level.

With panchayat electioneering at its peak, candidates are said to be tapping into these outlets to procure alcohol for voters. Local aspirants are allegedly organising gatherings and distributing liquor, hoping it will influence voting patterns and improve their chances in the polls.

Police officials claim they are intensifying enforcement as the Model Code of Conduct is in effect. Habitual belt shop operators are being bound over before revenue authorities, officers said, while special check-posts have been set up to monitor the movement of liquor into rural areas.

The police have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to sway voters through alcohol or money.

Despite these measures, rural communities report that illegal liquor activity remains rampant, raising concerns about electoral malpractices and the deepening dependence on belt shops during every election cycle.

Telangana’s local body elections are scheduled in three phases — December 11, 14 and 17, 2025 across Telangana’s gram panchayats (local body polls). Polling, as per SEC, will be from 7 am to 1 pm, with counting the same day from 2 pm.