Namakkal/Coimbatore: Political parties have stepped up distribution of gifts in several parts of Tamil Nadu targeting voters through direct outreach even as the model code of conduct came into force in the state. In Namakkal, gift sets containing a hot box and a sari, each estimated to cost around 300 were distributed to residents, with packaging carrying images of former minister P Thangamani. Thangamani denied that the gifts were distributed at his behest. He said the items were meant for distribution to public during Pongal by AIADMK and were being circulated now by political rivals. In Chennai, electric cookers were given away in a few localities in T Nagar by a political party, with senior functionaries overseeing the handover. Enforcement teams have begun intercepting bulk consignments suspected to be meant for distribution. In Coimbatore, 98 large utensils carrying images of senior DMK leaders were recovered from a workshop and handed over to election authorities. In Namakkal, around 250 silver utensils bearing images of TVK leaders were seized from a govt apartment following a tip-off. After the enforcement of model code of conduct (MCC), the nature of gifts appeared to have changed. Instead of handing out physical goods, parties are now increasingly relying on gift coupons that can be redeemed at neighbourhood grocery stores or supermarkets.Officials say such seizures form part of intensified surveillance across the state. According to the chief electoral officer, Archana Patnaik, cash and goods worth 23.28 crore have been seized as of March 17. “A network of 2,160 flying squads and an equal number of static surveillance teams has been deployed across all 234 constituencies to monitor movement of cash and materials,” she said.The Election Commission has also deployed 136 general observers, 40 police observers and 151 expenditure observers, who are set to take charge from March 18. Authorities said the measures are aimed at ensuring that inducements do not influence voters and that elections remain free and fair.
