Non-Dravidian parties assail cash flow in Aravakurichi

While the campaigning for the November 19 elections is at the peak, reports of cash distribution and allegations of the same has been flying thick in the constituency. PMK candidate Baskaran, Naam Tamilar Katchi candidate Aravind Gurusamy and BJP state general secretary Narendran approached the Aravakurichi constituency Returning Officer Sybudeen individually and submitted petitions. They stated that the ruling AIADMK and the Opposition DMK candidates have been doling out money for voters in the wee hours. They charged that the AIADMK had already distributed Rs 1,000 per vote while the DMK had given out Rs 500 per vote. In the backdrop of such violations, the parties wanted the Election Commission to cancel the elections once again and debar both the candidates from contesting. 

In a one of a rare incident, a 30-year-old woman Indirani from Kethanpatti came to the Taluk Office and gave a petition to the Returning Officer stating that she and her husband were offered Rs 2,000 (Rs 1,000 per voter) by the AIADMK and Rs 1,000 (Rs 500 per vote) by the DMK.She returned the total sum of Rs 3,000 to the Returning Officer along with the petition. The Returning Officer Sybudeen who received all their petitions gave them receipts and assured to conduct an inquiry and promised to take action if needed.

The Election Commission of India would ensure free and fair poll in three Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu where elections are scheduled and the number of flying squad would be increased amidst tight security as the elections are closer, said Umesh Sinha, the Deputy Election Commissioner.

He said around 30 booths have been identified as vulnerable in Thanjavur and added all polling booths in the constituency were provided with webcasting facility. Expressing satisfaction on the overall election work arrangements, Umesh Sinha said, Tamil Nadu does not have much problem of law and order and the constituencies going to polls are also urban constituencies and close monitoring is being done and special observers. Stating that there were no direct poll code violations and a small amount of money reportedly distributed were recovered, the Deputy Election Commissioner said, the EC has made all required precautions and urged voters to be ethical.