Chennai: Currency notes bundled inside gunny bags found by Income-Tax officials in a godown linked to a former minister, cash gold and other valuables being seized by flying squads of the Election Commission on a daily basis, ‘fuel coupons’ (which can be exchanged for petrol or diesel at oil outlets) given to party workers spotted by poll officers. With news like these hitting the traditional headlines or becoming the now-famous ‘breaking’ and ‘big breaking’ (accompanied by blaring music) ever since the Lok Sabha election dates were announced, News Today spoke to multiple sources to know how money flow is maintained despite stringent measures.
“Fearing surveillance by special teams after the implementation of the model code of conduct, a few parties transported cash to their local functionaries across the State much ahead of the announcement of elections. But we smelled it thanks to our intelligence inputs and are conducting raids. The action will continue. What was seized so far is just the tip of the iceberg,” said a highly placed source in the Income-Tax department.
The source added: “Apart from gunny bags, currency notes were found inside car boots, carton boxes, secret lockers and even shoes. Officials from Delhi have arrived to monitor the operation.”
A poll official said, “Flying squads mainly conduct checks on private vehicles on major roads. Hence, politicians are using public transport modes like trains and buses. We had received information that cash was also taken through insignificant roads and two-wheelers are also used for the purpose, besides ambulances. We have decided to strengthen our teams to broaden the net and to check the money flow. With Tamilnadu topping the nation in terms of cash seized during polls, the Election Commission is watching the State with special focus.”
The official also said there are inputs that voters will be bribed mainly from 11 to 15 April, since polling in Tamilnadu will be held on 18 April. “We will intensify checks during this time. There is information that cash has been stacked at places we won’t look. But we are closely monitoring each and every movement.”
When asked about their plans, a functionary of a political party, said, “The expense ceiling fixed by the Election Commission is very low and it is not at all practical. It is almost impossible to carry out campaigning and other works within that limit. As far as bribing of voters is concerned, people themselves are demanding money from us when we are out for electioneering. The trend was set by our rival party and we are under peer pressure. We are keeping our fingers crossed.”