CHENNAI: The AIADMK has urged the Election Commission to prevent any reduction in the number of CCTV cameras at polling booths, warning that it could compromise free and fair elections.

In a petition to Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, AIADMK MP M Inbadurai flagged alleged attempts in certain districts to scale down the number of cameras originally approved for installation.

He noted that CCTV surveillance is mandated in all polling stations to ensure transparency and curb malpractices, but reports suggest efforts are underway in some areas to reduce coverage.

Any such move, he cautioned, could lead to violations including booth capturing, bogus voting and other irregularities, directly affecting the integrity of the electoral process.

Inbadurai sought immediate intervention to ensure that all approved cameras are installed without exception and that their numbers are not reduced under any circumstances.

He also called for intensified monitoring measures, including strict inspections, to safeguard the sanctity of elections in the state.