Cash for votes in Tamil Nadu polls

NDTV

Madurai, 14 April 2011:  Lakshmi, the wife of an Inspector in Mullainagar in Madurai is relieved that polling passed off peacefully in the temple town, a departure from the usual violence and violations that it has witnessed over the years.

 

But the policeman’s wife was still offered money by politicians in exchange for a vote. Lakshmi says she was offered upto Rs. 500 from a candidate during campaigning, which she refused to accept. 

 

"My neighbours say that they have all taken money. Many parties are giving as little as Rs. 100 also", she said.

Several voters, however, openly admit to receiving cash.

 

"Last election we got Rs. 500 but this election we got only Rs. 100-200. When they give money, we accept it but we vote for the party we like."

 

Luring locals with cash for votes is a common feature in Madurai during poll season and this year has been no different.

 

In fact, this election has, in the history of Tamil Nadu politics, seen the highest number of cases of violations filed by the Election Commission (EC). In just the last three days, over 1400 cases of violations have been reported from across the state, most of them related to alleged distribution of cash to voters. The EC says it has seized over Rs. 54.17 in cash from various parts in the state.

 

According to sources, the rate for a vote starts from Rs. 100 and goes up to Rs. 1500 depending on the candidate, the party and the constituency. 

Just weeks ago, the Election Commission ordered the transfer of the Madurai collector and some top-level police officers for allegedly allowing violation of the code of conduct.

 

The poll panel, in fact, had also claimed that Madurai strongman and chief minister M Karunanidhi’s son, MK Alagiri had indulged in poll violations.

 

Alagiri though rubbished all the allegations. "The Election Commission always targets me every time. May be they know that I am lucky and that my party will win!", he said.

 

The denial notwithstanding, Tamil Nadu continues to witness large-scale poll violations with the electorate being wooed unabashedly with freebies and cash.