Chennai: In the last four days alone, over Rs 30 lakh has been seized and the money trail is under investigation. Squads have been instructed to return the money upon production of proof explaining the details of transactions, chief electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni told reporters here on Tuesday. He also urged political party functionaries of stern action if found distributing clothes.
Distribution of dhotis and sarees with party logo and design is also a serious poll violation and added that the election department has also started monitoring the sale of liquor through state run Tasmac outlets.
The CEO also said that the WhatsApp complaint number 9444123456 launched on Monday is an instant hit with the phone number receiving more than 600 responses mostly poll related queries and a few complaints. The responses are dealt and the feedback on action taken will also be shared to the complainant through WhatsApp, he said.
All district election officers have been briefed to ensure that they remove political wall posters, graffiti and portraits of all political leaders. As per the section 4(A) of The TN Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act 1959 affixing any poster or any bill notice is a punishable offence as per the section 4b. Jail term which may extend to one year or a fine which may extend to Rs 5,000 can be imposed, the CEO said. Under the Act, police commissioners in Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai and all other district collectors can deny permission on banners under the act, he said.
Earlier in the day chief electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni posted a greeting message wishing the fairer sex on women’s day. The post read, “You’ve played, so many roles through the years. Its time to play one more – An inspiring citizen - please register to vote, happy women’s day.”
