CHENNAI: Nomination for the upcoming election can be filed only for five days as three days between March 30 and April 6 are government holidays, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said on Monday.Addressing journalists a day after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force, Patnaik said March 31, April 3 and April 5 would be holidays during the nomination window. Scrutiny of nominations will be held on April 7, while the last date for withdrawal is April 9.Polling will be held on April 23 in the state, which has 5.69 crore electors — 2.90 crore women, 2.78 crore men and 7,656 third-gender voters. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.The Election Commission of India has roped in 23 enforcement departments to effectively implement the MCC. The state will deploy 2,106 flying squads and an equal number of static surveillance teams.“They will assist the flying and static surveillance teams and also monitor digital transactions and AI-generated social media content,” she said, adding that cash and goods worth Rs 1.26 crore have been seized since the MCC came into force in the state.Responding to concerns from businessmen, farmers and the general public about carrying goods and cash during the MCC period, Patnaik said officials in the surveillance teams would be sensitised to ensure that the public is not inconvenienced.“Any amount of cash can be carried with necessary documents. There is no restriction. If documents are produced, the money or goods will not be seized or confiscated. The public can approach the district-level committee if they face any issue,” she said.However, she did not directly respond to questions on difficulties faced by farmers carrying cash to purchase fertilisers, seeds and livestock, and jewellers who have reported problems despite producing valid documents while transporting ornaments.Since the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was published, about 3.14 lakh Form-6 applications have been submitted seeking inclusion in the voter list. Such applications can be submitted until March 26, she added.District election officers have been instructed to provide basic facilities such as drinking water and sunshades to ensure a comfortable experience for voters on polling day. She also urged voters to approach their booth-level officers to verify their details in the electoral roll.Patnaik further requested political parties to follow procedures prescribed under the MCC.
