AIADMK Cadres Storm Coimbatore Center Over Alleged DMK Coupon Distribution
In a dramatic turn of events, AIADMK cadres laid siege to a computer center in Coimbatore's Gandhipuram area on Sunday evening. The incident unfolded amid allegations that DMK functionaries were distributing samples of an 'Rs 8,000 coupon' under the Illatharasi scheme to the public from the premises.
Allegations of Election Violations
The AIADMK workers forcefully entered the center, located on Seventh Street in Gandhipuram under the Coimbatore South constituency. They engaged in heated arguments with individuals present at the site, accusing them of violating election norms by promoting the DMK's poll promise.
In its election manifesto, the DMK has pledged to provide a ₹8,000 coupon to all "non-Income Tax paying" homemakers. This coupon is intended for purchasing electronic home appliances from local stores under the Illatharasi scheme.
Election Commission Intervention
Upon receiving information about the altercation, a flying squad from the Election Commission of India, accompanied by local police personnel, swiftly arrived at the scene. The officials conducted a thorough inspection and seized critical evidence from the center.
The seized materials included:
- A comprehensive list of voters
- Multiple application forms
- Sample coupons of the promised Rs 8,000 voucher
The applications contained detailed information from beneficiaries, specifying the electronic items they planned to purchase using the coupon. Election officials have launched a formal investigation into the matter to determine if any electoral codes were breached.
Political Escalation and Petitions
The controversy escalated further on Monday when Coimbatore South AIADMK candidate Amman K Arjunan submitted a formal petition to District Election Officer Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar. Arjunan demanded immediate action against what he described as clear violations of election regulations.
Speaking to reporters after filing the petition, Arjunan made serious allegations. He claimed that a team from Karur, in collaboration with local DMK members led by Coimbatore South DMK candidate V Senthil Balaji, was actively distributing the sample coupons.
"Police didn't take any action against those who distributed the sample coupons," Arjunan stated emphatically. "If DMK continues to indulge in such election violations, we will take this matter to the next level."
Name-Calling and Counter-Allegations
In a provocative move, Arjunan referred to his political rival as 'Coupon Balaji,' directly linking Senthil Balaji to the alleged distribution scheme. He also addressed rumors circulating about his own political standing.
"DMK IT wing is spreading false propaganda that I'm sick and will lose my seat," Arjunan asserted, dismissing what he called malicious campaigns against his candidacy.
The incident highlights the intense political rivalry in Tamil Nadu as parties gear up for elections. The Illatharasi scheme, with its promise of financial assistance to homemakers, has become a focal point of contention between the DMK and AIADMK in the Coimbatore South constituency.
Election authorities continue their probe, while both parties prepare for potential legal and administrative battles over the alleged coupon distribution activities.
