 "Tamil Nadu tops in cash seizures ahead of assembly elections")
An unprecedented Rs 98 crore has been seized across Tamil Nadu since the model code of conduct came into effect ahead of Assembly elections in the state later this month. The cash seizures were done by black money surveillance teams that the state Election Commission has appointed and has deployed across the state.
However, of the total amount seized, Rs 37 crore has been returned, said the State Election Commission.
Tamil Nadu is known for introducing 'Thirumangalam formula', which is loosely interpreted as electoral victory "purchased," and not "won". But today things are different here, with the Election Commission taking a strong line on such electoral corrupt practices to ensure free and fair elections, and has stepped up searches to detect and intercept illegal cash and other inducements to lure voters.
As many as 6,112 flying squads and static surveillance teams have been pressed into service, comprising officials from the income tax department, enforcement department, commercial tax department, local Police, and special forces.
Rajesh Lakhoni, the state’s chief electoral officer, was quoted as saying that the Election Commission has formed Village Vigilance Committees, with 21,300 people in its rolls, and these committees from each village will tip off the returning officer about the distribution of money or gifts for votes. According to reports, the election commission has roped in students to provide leads regarding any move of political parties to distribute cash to voters.
The Model Code of Conduct came into force on March 4 after the Commission had announced the schedule for the Assembly polls. The state goes to polls on May 16, and results are due May 19.
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On Wednesday, Rs 2 crore was seized from the Vellore residence and other premises of K C Palanichamy and K C P Shivaraman after a tip-off to the I-T department. Similarly, Rs 1.3 crore was siezed from Muralidharan Reddiar in Villiupuram and Rs 66 lakh from J Srinivasan of S S Jewelers, also in Villipuram
Last week, a case was registered on Tuesday against actor-turned-politician R Sarathkumar, who is contesting in an alliance with the ruling AIADMK, in connection with the seizure of Rs 9 lakh from his car in violation of election rules.
In addition to cash, Tamil Nadu politicians are also trying out new forms of inducement. Election Commission flying squads on Sunday seized fuel coupons for 2,000 to 3,000 litres of petrol from gas stations in Erode and Thanjavur.
"Some 700 tokens have been seized, cases have been registered and the two petrol pumps have been sealed," said Lakhoni.
Media reports also said large quantities of onions had been seized from a store. While reports alleged it had been stocked to distribute among voters, the shop owner said that he was planning to give it to subscribers who pay rentals on time. Other innovative methods to pass on money to the voters include free gift coupons for jewellery, tokens for purchasing milk for a month, and mobile recharge
Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) has organised mass pledge-taking events for over 10 million voters next week to promote ethical voting in the state. It has urged people to take the pledge and upload pictures on EC's website or their own face book page. They can even write their own pledge.
All the polling booths, state and central government offices and quasi-government organisations, beneficiaries in the muster rolls of welfare schemes like MGNREGA, self-help groups, youth associations and other similar bodies will vow to not receive money for voting.
To promote ethical voting and 100% voting in the State, the Tamil Nadu Election Commission has is also reaching out to the public through posters and contests in social media such as Twitter and Facebook.
On Tuesday, 1,64,32,213 people took a pledge in 1,07,517 different locations, a number that the EC is planning to apply for registration as a world record.
The Commission, in collaboration with all banks, have put screen saver in all the ATMs with slogans such as "No Note for Vote". Earlier, in order to increase the voters' turnout during the polling date, which is May 16, the Election Commission launched mobile awareness campaigns and online contest over Twitter and Facebook. It has also roped in leading actors to come out with short video in which they request the voters not to sell their votes.