Tamil Nadu Traders Demand Rs 2 Lakh Cash Limit for Business During Elections
The Tamil Nadu Federation of Traders' Associations has issued a strong demand to the Election Commission of India, calling for permission to carry up to Rs 2 lakh in cash for business purposes without requiring documentation. This demand comes amid escalating tensions as traders report harassment from election enforcement squads.
Protest Planned in Chennai on March 31
The federation has announced plans to hold a significant protest in Chennai on March 31 to press for their demand. According to A M Vickramaraja, president of the Tamil Nadu Federation of Traders' Associations and national principal vice-president of the All India Traders' Federation, election flying and static squads have been aggressively seizing cash that traders carry for legitimate business operations.
Vickramaraja stated to reporters in Namakkal on Friday evening, "Election squads are harassing traders and confiscating the cash they need for daily business activities. This is creating severe operational difficulties for small and medium enterprises across the state."
Multiple Appeals to Election Commission Ignored
The traders' federation revealed that they have sent multiple letters to the Election Commission of India regarding this issue, but have received no substantive response or action. "We have communicated our concerns several times through official channels," Vickramaraja explained, "but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The lack of action has forced us to consider more drastic measures."
Threat of Statewide Shop Closures and Protests
If the Election Commission fails to address their demand following the March 31 protest, the federation has threatened to escalate their actions significantly. "We will have no choice but to close our shops and besiege district collector's offices throughout Tamil Nadu," Vickramaraja warned. This potential statewide action underscores the seriousness of the traders' grievances and their determination to secure business-friendly policies during election periods.
The demand for a Rs 2 lakh cash limit without documentation represents a critical issue for Tamil Nadu's business community, who argue that current election enforcement measures are disrupting normal commerce and creating unnecessary barriers for legitimate business transactions.
