Cash for votes allegations rock Coimbatore South, AIADMK candidate seeks election cancellation

Chennai, April 22
Serious allegations of cash distribution to voters have surfaced from several constituencies in Coimbatore city ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with a formal complaint seeking cancellation of polling in Coimbatore South.

A team of lawyers representing the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) candidate Amman Arjunan met Election Observer Pratap Singh at the Coimbatore Government Guest House and submitted a detailed petition highlighting alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct.

According to the complaint, unidentified individuals, reportedly from Karur district, have been moving door-to-door in the Coimbatore South constituency, distributing cash to voters.

The petition further alleged that recipients were being coerced and threatened to cast their votes in favour of a particular political party in exchange for money.

The lawyers claimed that such practices were not isolated incidents but were widespread across the constituency. They argued that these actions amount to a serious breach of electoral norms and undermine the integrity of the democratic process.

In their representation, the AIADMK candidate’s legal team urged the Election Commission to take immediate and stringent action, including considering the cancellation of polling in Coimbatore South if the violations are found to be substantial and proven.

They stressed that free and fair elections could not be ensured in an environment where voters are allegedly influenced through bribery and intimidation.

The petition also pointed to broader concerns regarding illicit financial activities linked to the election. It noted that multiple complaints related to suspected money laundering and unaccounted cash flow have already been submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner by various individuals.

With polling in Tamil Nadu scheduled for April 23, election authorities are under increased pressure to respond swiftly to such complaints and ensure strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. Officials are expected to review the allegations and initiate necessary inquiries to verify the claims.

The development adds to growing concerns over electoral malpractices in key constituencies, even as authorities reiterate their commitment to conducting free, fair and transparent elections across the state.