Chennai: State election commission has roped in actor Kamal Haasan to campaign against cash for votes. A short film produced in this regard featuring Kamal will be aired in all cinema theatres and will be telecast through TN Arasu cable and other private cable networks, said CEO Praveen Kumar.
On the other hand, actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth, who leads the DMDK, has been urging voters to take money from the Dravidian majors. “Public should take money if offered by political parties, it is your money, but they should vote as per their conscience,” he said while canvassing for votes during his campaign trail. When asked about Vijayakanth’s campaign the CEO said that he would initiate action if there is a specific complaint in this regard.
Public should actively participate in the democratic process and should not accept cash for votes, the CEO said warning that both accepting and distribution of cash for votes are punishable. Mr Kamal has acted in the short film explaining the voters that they should not lose their self-esteem by accepting cash while executing their democratic rights.
Earlier a video featuring cricketer Dinesh Karthick was shot and released to create awareness and these two films were released in English and Tamil to reach the masses, the CEO said.
Two joint CEOs Ajay Yadav and Sivagnanam who were also present at the press conference said that the poll officials would ensure that the voters are not subjected to any kind of pressure from political parties. In case of poll violations or cash distribution, the public can even film such incidents in their mobile camera and forward the same to the respective district election officers’ e-mail ids.
Special complaint cells have been set up in the districts and flying squads are at vantage points to redress complaints, the officials said exuding confidence all safety measures are being taken to ensure a free and fair poll.
