Chennai: The Election Commission is finding it difficult to rein in the door-to-door distribution of printed “Rs 8,000 coupon” materials by the DMK and its alliance partners, according to the report.
The move follows competing election promises. While the AIADMK has pledged to provide refrigerators to ration card holders if it returns to power, the DMK has promised an Rs 8,000 coupon for homemakers, which it says can be used to purchase items such as a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven and induction stove from shops of their choice.
To publicise the promise, DMK workers have reportedly printed sample coupons and are distributing them to households. AIADMK, BJP and other parties have objected and filed complaints with the Election Commission.
The Commission has warned that action would be taken if such sample coupons are distributed. However, opposition parties allege that despite complaints from booth-level officials up to district election officers, enforcement has been limited, with officials citing insufficient police cooperation.
A senior official from the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer’s office said police have been instructed to register cases and take action, and that cases have been filed in several places. The official added that coupons were printed at presses in locations including Chennai and Sivakasi and sent in bulk to districts, and that flying squads have inspected some presses as part of ongoing action.
