Chennai: Activists and volunteers with the anti-corruption NGO Arappor Iyakkam launched a door-to-door campaign in Velachery on Friday to spread awareness about the menace of cash for votes. Backed by more than a dozen volunteers, they covered areas in Adambakkam, engaging people with a questionnaire on whether they accepted cash for votes, if they felt guilty, and what they believed was the source of such cash.The campaign, which involved one-on-one dialogue with voters in a lower-income neighbourhood in Velachery constituency, concluded with volunteers placing stickers outside homes, pledging against accepting money for votes. About 10 volunteers covered around 125 houses, and teams have been working in other constituencies across Tamil Nadu.Many residents admitted to receiving cash in past elections but said their living standards had not improved over the years. Kuppu, a woman in her 50s, admitted to receiving cash in the past elections, but said the rising inflation, taxes and cost of living will be the deciding factor on who they vote for. “All candidates offer cash. It might help meet immediate needs, but that doesn’t decide who we vote for. That is why parties keep changing,” she said, adding that she felt guilty about taking cash and that she would not do it again.Several vowed to discourage their well-wishers from doing so. Ragini of Kakkan Nagar, said she was aware the source of money wasn’t legit. “Politicians exploit our vulnerability for votes. But five years on, living conditions haven’t improved. I will be cautious this time,” she added. Convenor Jayaram Venkatesan said, “We trained volunteers on interviewing people with empathy and to not make them feel guilty. This way, they respond positively, and we can share right ideas with them.”
