Thaindian News

Chennai, April 5 (IANS) Facing flak from Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK and its allies, the Election Commission continued to strictly implement the pre-poll model code of conduct, warning of more checks to seize unaccounted money and jail for those caught impersonating voters in the April 13 assembly elections.

“Those who are caught casting bogus votes will be jailed for a year. Vehicle checks for money being paid to voters will be intensified further,” chief electoral officer (CEO) Praveen Kumar told reporters here Tuesday.

Unaccounted cash amounting to Rs.22.68 crore and Rs.10.30 crore worth of valuables have been seized by the flying squads across the state till date, he said.

According to Praveen Kumar, cameras will be installed in 10,000 polling booths and the election proceedings will be monitored by poll panel officials here.

Asked about the complaints against Madurai District Collector U.Sagayam, he said the official has been asked to send his explanation.

Sagayam has apparently run afoul of the DMK for implementing the model code of conduct ahead of the assembly elections. He is also facing allegations from a subordinate who complained that Sagayam pressurised him to lodge police complaints against the DMK.

The CEO said additional observers would be sent to Madurai, if needed, as the Election Commission has the duty to ensure conduct of polls in a free and fair manner.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi criticised the poll panel’s functioning and alleged that it is working to bring the opposition to power in the state. He said “an undeclared state of emergency” is being implemented by poll panel.