Rumours of a candidate offering Rs. 1 crore for a single vote came as a big jolt to the political establishment even as the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stepped in to enquire about the matter in AP. It was later found out that the issue was pertaining to the AP Bar Council elections in Vijayawada. The CMO took serious view of the rumours and asked the authorities concerned to verify the truth about this.

Sources say that large sums of money is exchanging hands at the time of electing Chairman of Bar Council. Over 23,000 advocates have already elected about 25 members of the bar council. These members in turn would elect the Chairman, which has raked up a big controversy now.

Interestingly, some insiders have made written complaints to the CMO about this issue. After making preliminary enquiries, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is being asked to look into the matter. It is found out that the bar council Chairman post has got huge powers in the advocates fraternity. These powers include taking decisions on conduct of advocates, supervising law schools and also taking decisions on welfare of advocates.

Considering the big clout enjoyed by the post, there is a very high demand for the post for many years now. The chairman’s post extends over a period of five years. As the rumours of Rs. 1 crore offer came at a time of election season, the government has decided to deal with the issue closely and firmly.