Right from the day the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls came into effect, seizures of money, gold and other valuables by special teams formed by the Election Commission have become a routine affair in Tamilnadu. At the national level, as per data compiled by the EC, more than 110 Lok Sabha constituencies have been identified as ‘expenditure sensitive’ or prone to influence voters through money power, in the upcoming general election. If reports are to be believed, the number is likely to exceed 150 seats out of a total 543 as inputs from more States are filed.
In a bid to check the money flow, the Election Commission, for the first time, has decided to send in two expenditure observers to each of these constituencies to create special teams dedicated to tracking activity on the ground. The recently constituted Multi Department Election Intelligence Committee (MDIC) will also put these constituencies under close scrutiny to track and freeze illegal money flow. According to the first State-level feedback to EC, political parties and candidates are likely to dole out cash and other freebies including drugs, liquor and household appliances to influence voters in 112 constituencies.
In a shame to Tamilnadu, all parliamentary constituencies in the State have been identified as ‘expenditure sensitive’. The Election Commission has set up a high-powered committee with heads of multiple enforcement, financial and security agencies on board for a coordinated and comprehensive check on illegal money flow. The MDIC will see the participation of heads of all financial agencies, including Central Board of Direct Taxes chairman P C Modi, Central Board of Indirect Taxes chairman Pranab Kumar Das, Enforcement Directorate director Sanjay Kumar Mishra, DG Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Devi Prasad Dash, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau director general Mitali Madhusmita and Financial Intelligence Unit head Pankaj Kumar Mishra. But, not just seizure of illegal money and valuables is enough, all assets of those behind the acts to disgrace democracy should be frozen.