Multi-agency system to curb liquor, money flow in TN polls

Chief Election Commissioner of India Nasim Zaidi while addressing reporters here on Thursday was responding to a specific query about money and liquor flow during the elections in the state. 

The commission has received a detailed report on the modus operandi of money and liquor distribution, especially the timing and channel (of distribution) in the state, Zaidi said. 

Acquiescing to the request of the opposition parties in the state, Zaidi announced a special camp from February 15-29 to “purify” the electoral rolls in the state. 

Terming it as satisfactory his two-day review of election preparations in the state, Zaidi said the special electoral roll ‘purification’ camp would cover double entries, death, change of addreass and absentees. 

Pointing out that the state has 26 lakh voters in the 18-19 years category, the CEC said that various IT initiatives were being taken to ensure the registration of the young voters and inclusion of names would be done till 10 days before the withdrawal of nominations. 

Refusing to reveal the plans, a reticent CEC sarcastically added that the plan would lose the surprise element if it were revealed now. 

However, he reiterated that web-based monitoring of liquor sale and cash transaction in banks besides SMS-based queue supervision outside polling booths would continue.  

When reporters drew his attention to opposition parties’ objection to the imposition of Section 144, which proved counter-productive during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Zaidi defined it as ‘important’ and said they have taken note of the grievance put forth by them (opposition parties).  

The commission is understood to have set 80-85 % vote turnout for Tamil Nadu this time.