Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Apr 15: As campaigning intensifies ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, political tensions have escalated following allegations of electoral malpractice raised by the opposition AIADMK against the ruling DMK.
The AIADMK has accused the DMK of violating the Model Code of Conduct by distributing cash-equivalent coupons to voters in several constituencies. The party has formally submitted a complaint to the Election Commission of India, seeking immediate intervention.
According to the complaint, coupons worth Rs 8,000 were allegedly distributed in constituencies including Coimbatore South, Bargur, and Palacode. The AIADMK claims that the presence of serial numbers on these coupons suggests a coordinated and systematic effort to influence voters ahead of polling.
The complaint was filed by R.A.S. Senthilvel, AIADMK State Legal Assistant deputy secretary, who alleged that DMK functionaries were actively involved in circulating the coupons across multiple constituencies.
The opposition party has also named several DMK candidates in its complaint, including former minister V. Senthil Balaji, along with candidates Mathiazhagan and Senthil Kumar, alleging their association with the distribution drive.
AIADMK has described the alleged practice as a direct attempt to “purchase votes,” arguing that it undermines the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. The party has urged the Election Commission to take strict action, including the seizure of distributed coupons and preventive measures to ensure free and fair elections.
It further contended that such actions create an uneven playing field and violate provisions of the Representation of the People Act and the Model Code of Conduct.
As the Election Commission reviews the complaint, the allegations have added fresh controversy to an already heated electoral battle between the two major Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu, where political campaigning has reached a peak ahead of polling day.