Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Thursday alleged large-scale electoral malpractice during the ongoing Assembly elections, claiming that money and gold were being distributed to influence voters, while also criticising the Election Commission over inadequate transport facilities.
After casting his vote in the Goundampalayam constituency, Annamalai told reporters that inducements were being carried out openly in several areas. “House to house, four people are walking and giving Rs 5,000 for one vote. In the Karur Assembly constituency, they are boldly going and giving a half-gram gold coin to a voter,” he alleged, adding that such practices had not occurred overnight and indicated prior planning and financial backing.
He further claimed that similar cash distribution activities had been reported in Coimbatore over the past few days, which he said had “disturbed the sanctity of the polling process.” According to him, the alleged funds were being systematically arranged and “micro-managed” ahead of polling.
Annamalai also raised concerns over voter transportation issues, alleging that many citizens, particularly those travelling from Chennai to southern districts, were unable to reach their constituencies due to a shortage of buses. He said he had received multiple complaints from voters, party workers and young people regarding the lack of both government and private transport services.
Also read: Annamalai casts vote, alleges atmosphere vitiated in Coimbatore
“Many of our voters, party members, neutral observers, and the youth have been raising this as a major complaint since yesterday,” he said, citing delays in bus arrivals and poor connectivity to districts such as Ramanathapuram.
He urged the Election Commission of India to have ensured better coordination with the transport department and to deploy sufficient buses to facilitate smooth voter movement.
“Election Commission could have handled this better in Tamil Nadu,” he said, adding that authorities should have taken control of logistics to ensure free and fair participation.
While acknowledging that Tamil Nadu is largely peaceful with around 84,000 police personnel deployed for polling, Annamalai said the Election Commission should have performed its duties more effectively to ensure voter convenience.
Despite raising concerns, he expressed confidence that the state’s 5.6 crore voters would rise above inducements and vote according to their conscience in favour of change.
Polling for the 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu continued across the state amid tight security arrangements and widespread voter participation.
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