The upcoming Vikravandi by-election in Villupuram district is on 10 July 2024, featuring a heated competition between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) in a three-way fight. The campaign efforts from all three parties are in full swing.
Against this backdrop, the PMK is challenging the DMK for allegedly distributing cash tokens and gifts in the constituency to sway the voters. Viral videos circulating on social media show DMK distributing cash tokens with messages urging voters to vote for the DMK and receive money later. Previously, PMK had also seized gifts that DMK had stored for distribution before the election.
#பாமகவினரிடம் மாட்டிக்கொண்டு முழிக்கும் #திமுகவினர், #டோக்கனோடு மாட்டிக்கொண்டதால் செய்வதறியாது திகைப்பு. pic.twitter.com/xBzkdIBeUs
— அன்பழகன் மன்னன் (@AnbalaganMannan) July 3, 2024
Previously on 3 July 2024, Anbumani Ramadoss, leader of the PMK, highlighted on social media an incident in Asarankuppam village within the constituency. Allegedly, gifts intended for voters—sarees and shirts—distributed by DMK officials were seized by the Proletarian People’s Party and handed over to authorities. Ramadoss condemned this as a breach of election rules by the DMK, prompting protests and complaints to election, revenue, and police officials.
Ramadoss insisted on further confiscation of remaining gifts at the residence of A.C. Iramalingam, DMK’s local branch secretary. Despite complaints, election and police authorities reportedly facilitated the removal of additional stored items from Iramalingam’s house. This has sparked public outcry and accusations of electoral malpractice against the DMK.
Ramadoss urged the Election Commission to ensure fairness by appointing an independent IAS officer as Returning Officer and deploying numerous observers and paramilitary forces. He also called for the disqualification of the DMK candidate accused of influencing voters.
ஓட்டுக்கு லஞ்சமாக கொடுக்க திமுகவினர் வைத்திருந்த வேட்டி – சேலைகள் பறிமுதல்:
திமுவை தகுதி நீக்கம் செய்ய வேண்டும்!இடைத்தேர்தல் நடைபெறவுள்ள விக்கிரவாண்டி தொகுதி ஆசாரங்குப்பம் கிராமத்தில், திமுக கிளை செயலாளரும், முன்னாள் ஊராட்சி மன்றத் தலைவருமான ஏ.சி. இராமலிங்கம் என்பவரின்…
— Dr ANBUMANI RAMADOSS (@draramadoss) July 3, 2024
The situation escalated as PMK cadres staged demonstrations over the seized gifts, demanding action from authorities. District Collector Palani received a petition from PMK representatives, requesting immediate intervention against alleged irregularities.
Moreover, PMK spokesperson Balu criticized the DMK’s actions, describing the situation as chaotic and expressing disappointment over authorities’ perceived inaction. He demanded accountability for the confiscated gifts and urged the district collector to issue directives against DMK members involved in alleged misconduct during the by-election. In response, District Collector Palani assured swift action on the matter, promising to address concerns promptly.
VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: PMK cadre allege cash and gift distribution to voters by DMK cadre ahead of Vikravandi bypoll on July 10. The cadre threw away dress materials allegedly kept in stock inside a house and urged the Election Commission to take action.
(Full video available on… pic.twitter.com/KC3UOZcVo4
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 3, 2024
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