Election Commission Measures for 2016 TN Elections
Measures
taken by the Commission for control of illegal money during General Elections
to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu- 2016
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With a view to
curb use of black money and likely inducement of Voters in the Assembly
Election, 2016 comprehensive instructions have been issued by the Commission,
which include formation of flying squads, static surveillance teams, video
surveillance teams etc. with involvement of Police and other agencies such as
Investigation Directorates of Income Tax Department, Customs etc. State Excise Departments and Police
authorities have been asked to monitor production, distribution, sale and
storage of liquor and other intoxicants during the election process.
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702 flying squads
have been deployed in the state from the date of announcement of the elections
i.e. 4th March 2016. 712 Static
surveillance teams have also been deployed in all constituencies. Complaints
relating to transportation of illegal cash, liquor, narcotics are being monitored
round the clock.
Ø
The notification
for General Elections to Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly was issued on 22nd
April 2016, and to prevent abuse of money power, the Election Commission of
India has taken several proactive steps and has involved different enforcement
agencies, including the Investigation Wing of the Income tax Dept., which have
made elaborate arrangements across the state for taking prompt action including
conduct of search and seizure operations.
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As per report
received from the Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu, on 22nd April 2016, the
Income Tax Investigation Wing in Tamil Nadu carried out search and seizure
operations in and around Chennai. The search based on intelligence developed by
the Investigation Wing has resulted in seizure of Rs. 5.2 crore cash
(approximately). The money seized was not related to normal business activity
of the group and major part of it is suspected to be linked with hawala
operations and was likely to be used in the upcoming election of Tamil Nadu.
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On the same day,
i.e. 22nd April 2016, based on a tip-off, the Investigation Wing also conducted
a search at Karur District in Tamil Nadu and recovered Rs. 4.77 crore in cash.
Goods worth over one crore rupees in the form of dhotis and sarees etc,
suspected to be used for inducement of voters, were found in the premise and
the same has been placed under restraint.
Ø
In addition, the
Flying Squad in Coimbatore South Assembly Constituency seized an amount of
Rupees 1.35 crore in the morning of 22nd April 2016 from two passengers
travelling by an interstate bus, who were carrying the cash without any
supporting advance.
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Prior to this an
amount of Rupees 35.66 Crore had been seized in Tamil Nadu by various
expenditure monitoring teams after announcement of elections in March 2016. The
Commission has directed vigilance and monitoring to be stepped up across the
state in the run up to the elections and number of such search and seizure
actions will be further intensified to curb any such unaccounted money gaining
access to the electoral process. Movement of cash, liquor and gift items will
be strictly monitored. Strict action will be taken against persons attempting
to induce voters by bribing. The Commission has directed all enforcement
agencies in unequivocal terms that they should come down heavily on the offenders
in all such cases. Prejudiced conduct of
any member of election expenditure monitoring team will also be viewed very
seriously and strict action will be taken against such erring personnel.
Ø
The Commission
has further strengthened its strategy for dealing with the misuse of money in
the elections. This, inter alia, involve increase in the number of Flying
Squads and SSTs, inclusion of officials from the Central Govt and Central PSUs
in the Flying Squad Teams, deployment of Central Police Forces personnel
including in the Flying Squads etc. Teams of Special Observers have been
deployed in the state to review the preparedness. Further, the number of
Expenditure Observers has been increased several times. Probationary Officers
of the Indian Police Service will also be deployed in each district to actively
participate in Expenditure Monitoring and operation of the Flying Squads.
Ø
The Commission
has also directed to mount the campaign for ethical voting and encourage
members of political parties, candidates and voters at large to take pledge for
ethical voting.
Election Commission has roped Twitter and
Facebook to create awareness on the importance of voting.|
TAMIL NADU: Legislative Assembly Elections 2016
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Total Assembly
Seats
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234
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For SCs
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44
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For ST2
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2
|
|
VVPAT
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17
|
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Filing Nomination
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April 22, 2016
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End of Nomination
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April 29, 2016
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Date of Poll
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May 16, 2016
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Result
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May 19, 2016
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