KARUR: Alleging attempts to confine and influence voters ahead of the Assembly elections, functionaries of the NDA, led by AIADMK Karur district secretary M R Vijayabhaskar, on Friday submitted a complaint to the Karur Collector-cum-Election Officer G Ravikumar and SP Hari Kiran Prasad.
In the petition, Vijayabhaskar alleged that DMK cadre were setting up makeshift sheds across the Karur constituency to house voters and lure them with cash and gifts. He claimed that nearly 100 such enclosures were being readied, with photographic evidence from at least 48 locations submitted to the authorities.
Addressing reporters after submitting the petition, he alleged that arrangements were being made to collect voters’ IDs and keep them confined in these sheds. “This is akin to treating people like cattle,” he said.
He further alleged that such practices resembled the “formula” used in R K Nagar and Erode during previous elections. He also claimed that several sheds had been erected without permission, including on temple inam lands.
The AIADMK leader accused local officials of inaction and bias, stating that complaints lodged through the cVIGIL portal had not elicited any response, forcing them to approach authorities directly. “We have submitted detailed evidence and expect the Election Commission to act promptly. If no action is taken, we will launch a protest,” he added.
A senior district election official said the complaint has been accepted and the respective Returning Officers have been directed to conduct an inquiry.
Later in the evening, DMK functionaries filed a counter complaint, rejecting the allegations. Speaking to reporters, Deputy Mayor P Saravanan said that nine sheds were set up by the DMK but not to bribe the voters. He also said that the rest could have been put up by other parties or private individuals. He alleged that the accusations of bribe and gifts were politically motivated and driven by fear of losing.