Political parties change tack. ‘cash in’ on coupons, vouchers

From distributing cash at doorstep during Sathankulam Assembly bypoll in 2003 and later in Tirumangalam, parties have evolved to allegedly engaging some delivery boys of App-based food aggregators. The latest trick came to light after a few politicians suspected the delivery boys of swindling the money.

Curiously, the increased vigil of the ECI has not obliterated the traditional payment methods. In some areas, local party functionaries have paid grocers in lumpsum to be redeemed by the voters later. Some parties have provided gift vouchers to be utilised in retail outlets, including those owned by a few big brands. Cash has been replaced with coupons and vouchers to lure voters who till a while ago were even gifted mobile recharge coupons. Use of milk men to ferry cash covers have nearly become a relic of the past among the creative politicos, who had also started paying cash to voters in marriage halls.

Sadly though, distributing currency notes is the still the real ‘vote getter’. “Nothing will replace distribution of current notes. We have felt the visible pleasure it gives people when they collect it,” said a functionary of a major party, requesting anonymity.

“There were voters who had complained about melted rubber bands soiling the notes. We replace such notes,” the functionary added, reasoning that it happens when you dig out ‘buried’ cash bundled using rubber bands.

An insider in another cash-rich party said logistics has seen a tectonic shift. “We don’t send people in groups. It is safe to send one or two to cover an area, and that too on bikes. Cash distribution has reached micro level,” he added, referring to a video allegedly showing an ex-MLA of a leading party giving instructions to the party cadre, especially on utilising allies in distributing cash.

Review decision to cancel Vellore LS poll: Anand to EC

DMK Vellore Lok Sabha constituency candidate Kathir Anand on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to reivew its order cancelling election in the seat and hold it as scheduled as he alleged the entire move to stall the poll appeared to be “politically motivated”.

Anand, son of DMK treasurer Duraimurugan, in a memorandum sent to the EC said if his plea for holding the polls as scheduled on Thursday was not considered he will be “constrained to initiate appropriate action,” by approaching the court and also seek damages against the poll panel.