You've heard of black money and black market. But, have you heard about black votes? Yes, there are over six lakh black votes in Telangana and they decide the fate of the candidates in 11 constituencies in the North Telangana region. The black votes are nothing but the votes of Coal mine workers spread in Sattupalli, Yellandu, Kothagudem, Pinapaka, Bhupalpalli, Ramagundam, Manthani, Mancherial, Asifabad, Bellampalli and Chennur. In these constituencies the victory or defeat of a candidate is decided by which way the coal belt voters go.
According to poll pundits, there are around 51000 coal mine workers and around 22000 contract workers. These voters and their family members constitute around thee lakh voters. In addition, there are around 50000 retired employees of Singareni collieries. Their family members put together would be around 2.5 lakh people.
It is because of this that the Singareni Collieries employees union elections are a big affair and involve huge costs. They are fought like they are MLA elections. Every party invests huge amount to win the elections. Whoever wins the hearts of Singareni workers, will win these 11 seats. Hence, all parties are out to woo the black voters.
According to poll pundits, there are around 51000 coal mine workers and around 22000 contract workers. These voters and their family members constitute around thee lakh voters. In addition, there are around 50000 retired employees of Singareni collieries. Their family members put together would be around 2.5 lakh people.
It is because of this that the Singareni Collieries employees union elections are a big affair and involve huge costs. They are fought like they are MLA elections. Every party invests huge amount to win the elections. Whoever wins the hearts of Singareni workers, will win these 11 seats. Hence, all parties are out to woo the black voters.