Money power in Tamil Nadu Election - DMK & ADMK ALLIANCE

A day after it was reported how political parties used money power to ensure votes during the Tamil Nadu elections shocking accounts emerge of how warnings by the Election Commission were openly flouted by parties, which gave bribe & freebies to lure the voters.

The EC warning unheeded, political parties in Tamil Nadu found ways to bribe voters.

These polls have seen the use of money power like never before. A voter said, "We were hoping that Election Commission's warning would ensure fair elections But in the last two days, we have seen that both parties have been distributing money freely and rampantly."

"We thought these elections would be different, because of EC came across as very strict. But in the last two days, we have seen that both parties have been distributing money freely and rampantly."

Despite more reports of cash being distributed for votes and complaints from local voters the EC maintains stringent measures were in place.

But at the end of day, there are voters who don't mind beeing wooed by cash and freebies "If you are giving others money, give me money too. Whether it is DMK or AIADMK and whether we vote or not, we need money. It is done in secrecy. Both parties have done it, one did it inside, one outside," said a voter.

But there are many who still believe that for political reforms the right to vote should be excercised the way envisioned in the Constitution.

With reports of rampant distribution of money to bribe voters, especially in Tamil Nadu, the Election Commission today appealed to voters to vote as per their "conscience and without any inducement".

It also warned that it may postpone elections in constituencies where the malpractice takes place. An Election Commission release issued in Delhi said: "Tomorrow, what is on offer for you is perhaps the best gift of our country to her citizens. It is this choice to elect your representative and your government."

The Commission had worked day and night over the last many months to make it possible for all to vote freely and
fairly, it said. "Now it is your duty to exercise your franchise... All of you who are on the electoral roll must come out and press the button of your own future. Please go by your conscience. Vote without fear. Vote without any inducement," it said.

In Chennai, Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar admitted that incidents of money distribution were occurring despite its strong measures. "The Commission is strictly watching... We are getting reports (of money distribution) from micro-observers and civil society groups. We may consider postponing or countermanding (the polls in those areas) if there are any such incidents," he said.

Asked whether the EC would consider postponing or countermanding the polls, he said, "Still there is enough time
for us. Even after polls we may consider (postponing or cancelling)," he said.

Asked whether the EC had been able to stop the distribution of money, he admitted that though strong measures
have been taken, some incidents were still happening. "I cannot say we have stopped it 100 per cent. Commission has been able to restrict to a larger level and open play of money has been changed into a underground play," he said.

The EC had also issued a stern warning against alleged money distribution to voters, saying it was watching the situation "closely" and could even countermand the elections in segments where the "malpractices" continue.

Thursday, April 14, 2011 by deivam P Mohanraj · 0