Tamil Nadu: Congress, DMK complain to EC

Alleging that the AIADMK has hidden “huge amounts of cash” to be distributed among voters, a high-powered delegation of the Congress and the DMK on Tuesday met Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi and demanded that senior officials from other states be deputed to Tamil Nadu to prevent the “use of money power”.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner in New Delhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, DMK leader T.R. Baalu and TNCC president E.V.K.S. Elangovan demanded a CBI inquiry into the issue and also involving the Enforcement Directorate to conduct thorough searches at the houses of AIADMK ministers.

Speaking to reporters after submitting the memorandum to Mr Zaidi, Mr Azad said the “ruling party in Tamil Nadu was misusing its powers” and that the delegation told the CEC that steps should be taken to ensure free and fair elections in the state. Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on May 16.

“The recent instances of seizure of huge amounts of cash are example that the ruling party is trying to influence (voters),” Mr Azad said and told the CEC to advise officials in the state not to turn a blind eye to such activities.

“It is very unfortunate to mention that the Election Commission of India does not seem to be very concerned about the happenings in the state of Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, the fence is grazing the crop,” the memorandum said.

“The AIADMK is indulging in activities which are prohibited under the law. The state officials are not serious about the flow of money power,” he said.

The memorandum also asked the CEC to take action against officials who have “deliberately failed to discharge” their legitimate duty.

DMK chief M. Karunanidhi has also demanded a CBI probe into the seizure of huge amounts of money in various parts of the state, alleging that there was no rule of law in the state.