Based on reports of large scale distribution of money and gifts during the recently concluded assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, the Election Commission of India on Saturday has decided to conduct fresh elections in two constituencies of the state.
Taking into cognizance reports of observers of large scale distribution of money and gifts to candidates and political parties, the Election Commission has decided to conduct fresh elections in Aravkurichi and Thanjavur assemblies.
The revised schedule for these assembly constituencies will be recommended by the Election Commission in due course of time.
On 14 May, the Election Commission deferred the elections for the Aravkurichi constituency in Karur district of Tamil Nadu to 23 May, over complaints of cash distribution.
"On 22 April, Rs.4.77 crore was seized from a residence in Aravakurichi during a raid by income tax officials. The documents "revealed a number of notings showing proximity to some prominent ministers of the Tamil Nadu government and belonging to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)," said an official statement from the ECI.
"Further, other money and gift items-saris, dhotis, liquor, currency counting machines were also seized along with un-registered ambulances, which were suspected to be used for transporting money," the ECI statement said.
On 10 May, Rs.two crore was seized from the residence of K.C. Palanisamy, Aravakurichi constituency's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate, and his son K.C.P. Shivaraman.
