98 crore cash seized across Tamil Nadu ahead of assembly polls 2016, Tamil Nadu Assembly Election, Cash Seizures , Tamil Nadu Election Commission , AIADMK, State Election Commission, Thirumangalam formula,Tamil Nadu Polls 2016
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- Category: TamilNadu Political News
- Last Updated: Friday, 13 May 2016 11:28
98 crore cash seized across Tamil Nadu ahead of assembly polls 2016, Tamil Nadu Assembly Election, Cash Seizures , Tamil Nadu Election Commission , AIADMK, State Election Commission, Thirumangalam formula,Tamil Nadu Polls 2016
However, of the total amount seized, Rs 37 crore has been returned, said the State Election Commission.
Tamil Nadu is known for introducing 'Thirumangalam formula', which is loosely interpreted as electoral victory "purchased," and not "won". But today things are different here, with the Election Commission taking a strong line on such electoral corrupt practices to ensure free and fair elections, and has stepped up searches to detect and intercept illegal cash and other inducements to lure voters.
As many as 6,112 flying squads and static surveillance teams have been pressed into service, comprising officials from the income tax department, enforcement department, commercial tax department, local Police, and special forces.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) has organised mass pledge-taking events for over 10 million voters next week to promote ethical voting in the state. It has urged people to take the pledge and upload pictures on EC's website or their own face book page. They can even write their own pledge.
All the polling booths, state and central government offices and quasi-government organisations, beneficiaries in the muster rolls of welfare schemes like MGNREGA, self-help groups, youth associations and other similar bodies will vow to not receive money for voting.
To promote ethical voting and 100% voting in the State, the Tamil Nadu Election Commission has is also reaching out to the public through posters and contests in social media such as Twitter and Facebook.
On Tuesday, 1,64,32,213 people took a pledge in 1,07,517 different locations, a number that the EC is planning to apply for registration as a world record.
Rajesh Lakhoni, the state’s chief electoral officer, was quoted as saying that the Election Commission has formed Village Vigilance Committees, with 21,300 people in its rolls, and these committees from each village will tip off the returning officer about the distribution of money or gifts for votes. According to reports, the election commission has roped in students to provide leads regarding any move of political parties to distribute cash to voters.
The Model Code of Conduct came into force on March 4 after the Commission had announced the schedule for the Assembly polls. The state goes to polls on May 16, and results are due May 19.