Tamil Nadu Polls: Over Rs 500 Crore Seized in Crackdown on Malpractices
With just three days remaining until polling in Tamil Nadu, election authorities have intensified their efforts to curb poll-related malpractices, resulting in the seizure of over Rs 500 crore in cash, gold, drugs, liquor, and other inducements. Pratap Singh, the Election Commission's special observer for Tamil Nadu, announced this on Monday, highlighting the scale of the crackdown aimed at ensuring free and fair elections.
Massive Interceptions and Enforcement Actions
The overall interceptions have now crossed a staggering Rs 1,200 crore, with enforcement agencies playing a crucial role. The income tax department has accounted for around Rs 190 crore in seizures, while the CGST department has contributed over Rs 175 crore. In addition to financial assets, large quantities of liquor and narcotics have been confiscated, and instances of coupon and freebie distribution have been reported from key locations such as Chennai, Hosur, and Salem.
Around 100 FIRs have been registered in connection with these violations, underscoring the seriousness of the enforcement measures. Tiruvallur district has recorded the highest seizure of approximately Rs 85 crore, followed closely by Chennai, indicating widespread efforts to disrupt illicit activities.
Poll Preparations and Voter Outreach
Regarding election preparations, the official confirmed that the Election Commission has distributed over 95% of voter information slips across the state. Instructions have been issued to address any gaps and achieve near-total coverage before polling day on April 23. Some political parties had raised concerns about incomplete distribution in select areas, prompting immediate corrective actions to ensure all voters are informed.
Enhanced Monitoring and Security Measures
Of the 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, 105 have been identified as expenditure-sensitive, requiring heightened scrutiny. Additionally, 5,938 polling booths have been categorised as critical, warranting enhanced monitoring and security deployment. To oversee these efforts, the Election Commission has deployed 150 expenditure observers, 130 general observers, and 40 police observers, supported by 300 companies of Central Armed Police Forces across districts.
More than two lakh voters, including senior citizens above 85 years and persons with disabilities, have already exercised their franchise through postal ballots, demonstrating the Commission's commitment to inclusive and accessible voting.
Commitment to Free and Fair Elections
Pratap Singh emphasized that these measures are part of a broader strategy to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. After holding a meeting with representatives of political parties, he reiterated the Election Commission's dedication to preventing malpractices and ensuring that every vote counts in the upcoming polls.
