Chennai, April 16 (IANS) Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Thursday levelled serious allegations against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), claiming that a large-scale cash distribution operation was being planned across Tamil Nadu constituencies in the run-up to the April 23 Assembly elections.

Addressing reporters in Villivakkam, TVK General Secretary (Election Campaign Management) Aadhav Arjuna alleged that funds ranging between Rs 20 crore and Rs 50 crore per constituency were being readied for distribution to voters.

He further claimed that cash packets of Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 per vote had allegedly been earmarked, with systems in place to ensure the money reached households.

Aadhav accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of remaining passive in the face of such alleged practices, stating that enforcement agencies, including flying squads, had failed to take adequate action.

“There appears to be tacit inaction, which raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process,” he said.

Highlighting his party’s campaign approach, Aadhav said TVK candidates were engaging directly with voters across all 234 constituencies, focusing on respectful outreach and issue-based politics.

He claimed that party chief Vijay’s campaign had generated a “statewide wave”, particularly among women voters. “There is a visible demand for change across families,” he added.

The TVK leader also targeted Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, alleging misuse of police and administrative machinery to suppress Opposition activities, including those of TVK.

He further accused Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, V. Sabareesan and others of corruption, claiming that illicit funds were being funnelled into the election process.

Referring to an alleged incident involving a woman candidate in Tiruchirappalli, Aadhav claimed that intimidation and violence reflected a deterioration in law and order, especially impacting women’s safety during the election period.

Reiterating TVK’s position, he asserted that while the party had the capability to engage in similar practices, it had consciously chosen not to do so.

“We are not in politics to distribute money. Our campaign is centred on transparent governance and meaningful change,” he said.

There was no immediate response from the DMK or the Election Commission to the allegations.

–IANS

aal/pgh