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Reporter’s Diary: As election fever returns, so does cash-for-vote formula
A one-minute, unverified video featuring a discussion between a senior AIADMK leader with a section of government staff with the latter demanding better remuneration for those on poll duty and cash for postal votes has gone viral, bringing back memories of the cash-for-votes controversy.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
In the video, the leader is seen asking the group to submit a letter to the office of Chief Minister in this regard and wonders whether such a thing was done during the days of Amma (late chief minister J Jayalalithaa).
A man clad in blue shirt is seen explaining the renumeration paid to government employees. Armed with a file, the man explains to the AIADMK leaders that there are 19,000 postal votes in their custody.
“We will ask their family members also to support our government,” said the representatives, who are yet to be identified. They are also seen giving an assurance to give the 19,000 votes to the deputy chief minister — provided there are some benefits for the voters.
“The government employees form about 10 lakh votes (perhaps including the family members of the staff) and we will campaign. During last elections Rs 150 was paid per day amounting to Rs 4,500 per month as renumeration. This has to be revised, along with ‘other benefits’,” he adds.
Even though the duo involved in the discussion with the AIADMK leader have not been identified and the video is yet to be authenticated, the question remains —will the Election Commission take note?
— CS Koteeswaran, Chennai
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