Chennai, Oct 1:
The legal wing of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Wednesday lodged a complaint with Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, alleging Model Code of Conduct violations by the DMK ahead of the October 6 Madurantakam Assembly by-election.
In a representation submitted by advocate S Shankar on behalf of the TVK legal wing, the party alleged “systematic electoral malpractices” by DMK functionaries and its candidate I Paranthamen.
The complaint alleged that DMK functionaries were distributing cash and gift articles to voters across the constituency and bringing people from other districts to intimidate electors who did not support their candidate. It also referred to the recent seizure of Rs 48 lakh from the residence of DMK functionary Moonalur Viswanathan at Dharapuram, where the by-election is also scheduled to be held.
The TVK further alleged that senior DMK functionaries from Madurantakam and Acharapakkam, along with the district secretary, had engaged minor children for campaign canvassing on September 25. The party claimed that no action had been taken despite its earlier representations.
Seeking steps to ensure a free and fair election, the TVK urged the Election Commission to increase the number of flying squads and surveillance teams, provide camera and videography coverage outside polling stations and deploy camera-equipped patrol vehicles across the constituency.
Talking to reporters at the Secretariat later, TVK representatives reiterated their allegations of large-scale cash distribution. They alleged that DMK cadres brought from other districts were posing as local party workers, entering residential areas and threatening voters.
The TVK also sought additional static surveillance teams, flying squads and patrol units in the predominantly rural constituency to monitor alleged door-to-door distribution of cash.
According to the TVK representatives, the Chief Electoral Officer assured them that their concerns would be addressed and said instructions would be issued to the District Election Officer and the State DGP to strengthen surveillance and ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.