Coimbatore: AIADMK cadres on Sunday evening laid siege to a computer centre at Gandhipuram, alleging that DMK functionaries were distributing the sample of a ‘Rs 8,000 coupon’ under the Illatharasi scheme, to the public from the centre.In its manifesto, DMK has promised a ₹8,000 coupon to all “non-Income Tax paying” homemakers to buy any electronic home appliance of their choice from the nearest stores under the scheme. The cadres entered the centre, located on Seventh Street at Gandhipuram under the Coimbatore South constituency, and picked up arguments with the people present there. After being informed, a flying squad from the Election Commission and police personnel reached the centre. They seized a list of voters, applications, and sample coupons from the centre. In the applications, the beneficiaries have provided the details of the items that they would buy using the coupon. Election officials are investigating the matter. Meanwhile, Coimbatore South AIADMK candidate Amman K Arjunan on Monday submitted a petition before the district election officer, Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar, seeking immediate action against such violations. Speaking to reporters after submitting the petition, Arjunan said a team from Karur, along with the local DMK members led by Coimbatore South DMK candidate V Senthil Balaji, were distributing the sample coupons. Arjunan said, “Police didn’t take any action against those who distributed the sample coupons. If DMK continues to indulge in such election violations, we will take this matter to the next level.” Calling Senthil Balaji as ‘Coupon Balaji’, Arjunan said, “DMK IT wing is spreading false propaganda that I’m sick and will lose my seat.”
