The Tamil Nadu BJP has submitted a formal complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging frequent power supply suspensions in Chief Minister MK Stalin’s Kolathur Assembly constituency. The BJP accuses the ruling DMK party of orchestrating these disruptions to facilitate their cash-for-votes scheme ahead of the April 19 Lok Sabha polls.
In a statement issued by TN BJP State Spokesperson ANS Prasad, the party urged the ECI to deploy paramilitary forces for security to ensure fair and peaceful elections and thwart any potential violence orchestrated by the DMK.
“The people of Tamil Nadu always vote for nationalism and whoever forms the government at the Centre,” Prasad stated. He highlighted the false propaganda spread by the DMK during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing the BJP’s significant victory despite the DMK’s claims.
Prasad alleged that the DMK-led INDI Alliance is resorting to cash-for-votes tactics in anticipation of their defeat in the upcoming polls. He specifically pointed to increased cash distribution in the Kolathur Assembly Constituency, where CM MK Stalin serves as the MLA, as evidence of the DMK’s desperation.
According to Prasad, the DMK is using various means, including suspending power supply with the help of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) officials and the state police, to distribute large sums of cash to voters. He accused the DMK of misusing government machinery to manipulate the election outcome in their favour.
Prasad highlighted the significance of the BJP voters in the Chennai North Lok Sabha constituency and Kolathur Assembly constituency, emphasising that they prioritise the nation over monetary incentives. He warned of potential chaos on polling day orchestrated by the DMK to prevent BJP supporters from casting their votes.
Expressing concern over the control of the state police by the DMK, Prasad called for the deployment of paramilitary forces to ensure security and transparency in the electoral process. He urged the EC to take immediate action to address these allegations and ensure a peaceful, fair, and transparent election in Tamil Nadu.
The complaint from the BJP underscores the intense political competition in Tamil Nadu as parties vie for victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The allegations of cash-for-votes and power supply disruptions add fuel to the already heated electoral landscape, raising concerns about the integrity of the democratic process.
As the ECI considers the BJP’s complaint, all eyes are on the authorities to ensure that measures are in place to prevent any electoral malpractice and guarantee a free and fair election for the people of Tamil Nadu.
