Chennai: The AIADMK on Wednesday lodged a complaint with the returning officer alleging that the rival DMK functionaries were distributing stainless steel tiffin-boxes with currency notes inside them to the voters of Central Chennai. High-profile former Union minister Dayanidhi Maran is the DMK candidate in this constituency.
Chennai Mayor Duraisamy who arrived with scores of AIADMK supporters and triggered tension at Teynampet, said, “We have lodged a complaint with the district election officials seeking action against the DMK candidate Maran, who is distributing cash for votes.”
“We received complaints about DMK workers distributing cash for votes of late. On Wednesday, a few women queued up in front of a house near Gopalapuram. DMK men there distributed cash along with pamphlets, insisting that they vote for Maran.
The voters were also asked to promise not to reveal the cash distribution to anyone,” alleged local AIADMK councillor D. Sivaraj demanding immediate action. When contacted, former mayor M. Subramanian of DMK rubbished the allegations and said the public response for the party candidates in all three Chennai constituencies was good. “The ruling party is hit by anti-incumbency. Maran’s victory is certain. The AIADMK is unable to stomach that and hence this ‘cash for vote’ drama orchestrated by Saidai Duraisamy,” Mr Subramanian added.
When contacted district election officer Vikram Kapur said the election static team has seized cash stuffed inside tiffin boxes. “We have begun investigations.”
