Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has written a complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner of India regarding the distribution of widespread money for the Erode East by-election and “inaction” by the state election commission on a complaint regarding “blatant abuse of power by DMK govt” in the Erode East by-poll.
The complaint reads,”After the sudden demise of the Member of the Legislative Assembly from Erode East, the Election commission announced the date for the by-election for this constituency. The DMK government in power has no developmental works to their name despite being in office for the last 22 months and has pinned its hope on money to win this by-election.”
Referring to the incident in which DMK Minister KN Nehru and Congress candidate EVKS Elangovan’s planned to distribute money to Erode people were accidentally overheard in the microphone, Annamalai stated, “On January 29, 2023, we released an audio clip of DMK Minister Thiru KN Nehru avargal and DMK Alliance candidate Thiru EVKS Elangovan avargal discussing money distribution, modalities, the distribution center, and the deadline to get money distributed. In response to the audio, senior leaders of the BJP Tamil Nadu expressed our concerns about the conduct of free and fair elections to the State Election Commissioner and requested immediate action against DMK members for killing the spirit of democracy.”
He also stated that on February 11, 2023, election officials seized tokens from the car of DMK South Union Treasurer Sarbudeen in Tirupur district, which were intended to be distributed in the Erode East constituency, and that DMK members distributed 2 kgs of meat and ₹1000 per voter per day, with a ₹5000 incentive if the voter sat continuously in the designated place for 20 days.
He complained about the state election commission’s inaction, saying, “This is done on purpose to stymie the NDA candidate’s campaigning in Erode east. The State Election Commission has yet to act on the BJP Tamil Nadu’s complaint and has done nothing significant to prevent the ruling DMK government from abusing power. Sir, we respectfully request that you take immediate action to ensure a free and fair election in Erode East.”
The @arivalayam govt in power has unfurled the Thirumangalam formula and a representation on behalf of @BJP4TamilNadu has been submitted to @ECISVEEP today for the conduct of a free & fair election in Erode East. pic.twitter.com/kDboAjtDsK
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) February 14, 2023
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