The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has been accused of distributing cash to voters as campaigning intensifies for the two Assembly by-elections in Tamil Nadu, as reported in Tamil ABP Live.
Reports aired by television news channels on 22 September 2026 alleged that large-scale cash distribution took place at Rettipalayam under the Acharapakkam union in support of TVK candidate Maragatham Kumaravel, allegedly with the intention of inducing voters.
The allegations do not appear to be limited to Rettipalayam. A complaint submitted to the Election Commission has alleged that similar illegal cash distribution and voter inducement activities are being systematically carried out across the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies.
The complaint has sought an immediate investigation into the alleged distribution and demanded action against those found to be involved.
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AIADMK Approaches Election Commission
AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP and Legal Wing Secretary Inbadurai submitted the complaint to the Election Commission, citing the television reports and what he described as credible information regarding similar alleged activities across the two constituencies.
Inbadurai alleged that such activities could directly affect the conduct of a free and fair election and described the alleged cash distribution as bribery, a corrupt electoral practice under the Representation of the People Act.
He urged the Election Commission to take appropriate action and made five specific demands.
Field Investigation Sought
The complaint called for an immediate, comprehensive field-level investigation across the entire Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies.
Inbadurai sought the deployment and involvement of District Election Officers, Returning Officers, flying squads and static surveillance teams for the investigation.
CCTV, Videos And Digital Evidence
The AIADMK leader also sought immediate preservation of all relevant evidence before it could be altered or destroyed.
This includes television news broadcasts, CCTV footage, videos recorded at the locations, social media posts and other electronic evidence relating to the alleged cash distribution and voter inducement.
Scrutiny Of Accounts And Election Expenses
The complaint further sought an audit of the election campaign accounts, bank accounts and election expenditure records of the concerned candidate and political party.
It called for verification of whether any unaccounted cash transactions had taken place and sought scrutiny of the election expenditure details submitted by the candidate and party.
FIRs Against Those Involved
Inbadurai also demanded that FIRs be registered and criminal action initiated against everyone found to have been involved in the alleged activities.
This includes those who allegedly assisted in the distribution as well as those who handled the money, irrespective of their political affiliation or position, according to the complaint.
Increased Surveillance In The Constituencies
The complaint also called for intensified surveillance in vulnerable areas across Madurantakam and Dharapuram.
It sought increased deployment of flying squads, check posts and other surveillance mechanisms to prevent further alleged cash distribution or voter inducement during the campaign.
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