Curbing cash distribution, a big challenge for Election Commission

The widespread circulation of cash has drawn flak from a cross-section of political parties, who claim that the arrests were an eye-wash and no follow up action has been taken. 

Union Minister of State for Shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan, when asked about money issues at RK Nagar said, “The way money is being flaunted is an open challenge to the Election Commission by candidates who feel that they can get away with anything. One way to stop this is not to allow any political party to bring an outsider into the constituency for campaigning.” Asked whether he would demand the cancellation or postponement of the polls, he said “We want the election to be conducted in a free and fair manner.” 

MAD Peravai contestant and late chief minister Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa Jayakumar said, “People are getting irritated on money being openly distributed by some parties, as candidates have come to just to buy victory without talking care of the basic problems that plague the area.”

Residents, on condition of anonymity, said the money was given openly. When you go into by-lanes or pocket roads, you see supporters of a particular party thronging the area. A family in the area admitted to receiving Rs16,000 for four votes, but refused to divulge the name of the party. 

Though the Election Commission has pressed into service election observers, static and mobile flying squads and micro observers, politicians always manage to stay one step ahead of the officialdom. 

Supporters are taken in government buses and given money after two stops. Then they are asked to get down. Money is also given to voters by supporters coming inside the house. After receipt of money, their voters slips would be taken away.

Election officials stick to the main roads whereas it is in the by-lanes that such transactions take place, residents averred. Newly posted officials are yet to understand the terrain which helps the culprits stash cash in supporters’ homes. 

As Naam Tamilar Katchi coordinator S Seeman said, “Though officials say they have arrested many, where are they? Rules say that such violations lead to one year imprisonment, but nobody knows how many have been jailed. We feel that such persons get away scot-free.”