MDMK Chief Vaiko’s Rally In Thanjavur In Support Of DMK Candidate Sees Party Cadre Distributing Money, Violating MCC

The upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections is witnessing widespread practice of distributing money in various forms to individuals attending the speeches of prominent political campaigners. This practice directly violates the model code of conduct put forth by the Election Commission. Despite this prohibition, such occurrences have become common. A recent example took place in Thanjavur on 8 April 2024, following a rally where Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko lent his support to DMK candidate S Murasoli in the Thanjavur Lok Sabha constituency. After Vaiko’s departure, local party members were observed distributing money to attendees of the rally.

In the viral video, MDMK members were observed expressing their frustration, stating, “We are not a ruling party, we got this money for  interest and are spending it.”

During the rally on Abraham Pandit Road, Vaiko, the General Secretary of MDMK, underscored the significance of the upcoming election as a battle for safeguarding the nation’s democracy. Vaiko praised Chief Minister Stalin’s initiatives, emphasizing Tamil Nadu’s “leadership role” in setting examples for other states. However, he later peddled misinformation similar to DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding the breakfast scheme for school children, that has allegedly gained international recognition, that even the Prime Minister of Canada praised it. Vaiko also spoke about the free bus travel for women and providing free electricity connections to 2.50 lakh farmers to address their grievances.

Vaiko portrayed the upcoming election as “pivotal” for India’s democratic trajectory, urging voters to support DMK candidate Murasoli in the Thanjavur Constituency. Expressing concern over emerging “threats”, he claimed that a recent conference of Hindu Sanatana forces proposing drastic measures like altering the constitution, restricting Muslim voting rights, and declaring Varanasi as the capital. He urged people to acknowledge these dangers and safeguard democracy, likening the election to a second struggle for independence. Vaiko called for collective action, urging each individual to mobilize at least ten voters to support the Rising Sun symbol.

Recently Congress candidates Karti Chidambaram and Manickam Tagore‘s campaign events were also saw cash distribution after the leader left.

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