Investigations against AIADMK and DMK cadres for giving free fuel tokens

Tamil Nadu chief electoral officer has acknowledged grievances and criticisms about both AIADMK and DMK cadres from Cuddalore and Nagapattinam district electoral officers issuing tokens to supply free fuel to voters. Flying squads seized 100 tokens each in both the districts. Cases have been registered and investigation is on.

The Chief electoral officer Satyabrata Sahoo said,"We have received two complaints from Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts. Nagapattinam district electoral officer has stated that 100 tokens were seized from AIADMK cadres while they were about to distribute them at a petrol bunk. In Cuddalore, officials seized 100 tokens from DMK cadres."

When inquired about the assurances of rewards in the form of cash, vehicles and sponsored foreign trips made by party leaders to their cadres for carrying out election campaign, Sahoo said if the assurances are made to partymen, nothing could be done until there are complaints.

"We need to check about the promises and see whether they were made to party cadres or to general public. We have received complaints about such promises from the AIADMK and DMK. They are accusing each other. We are looking into them," said Sahoo.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has appointed 40 general observers for 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu.