Chennai, 22 April (H.S.): Coimbatore South constituency has come under intense scrutiny on the eve of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections following allegations of large-scale cash distribution to voters, prompting demands for immediate intervention by the Election Commission.

A legal team representing AIADMK candidate Amman Arjunan on Tuesday submitted a petition to Election Observer Pratap Singh, alleging widespread violations of the Model Code of Conduct and seeking stringent action, including the possible cancellation of polling in the constituency.

The complaint alleged that unidentified persons, reportedly from outside the district, have been visiting households across Coimbatore South and distributing money to influence voters, with claims that some recipients were pressured to support a particular political party.

The legal team argued that these were not isolated incidents but part of a widespread pattern of electoral malpractice across the constituency. Such actions, they said, strike at the core of democratic principles by compromising the fairness of the electoral process.

Citing the gravity of the allegations, the AIADMK’s legal representatives urged the Election Commission to initiate an immediate probe and take stringent action. They also called for the cancellation of polling in Coimbatore South if the violations are found to be substantial and proven.

The petition flagged broader concerns over illicit financial flows during the election period, noting that multiple complaints regarding unaccounted cash movement and suspected money laundering have already been submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner.

With polling just a day away, election authorities are under mounting pressure to act swiftly. Officials are expected to examine the allegations and launch inquiries to verify the claims, even as they reiterate their commitment to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections across Tamil Nadu.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman