Cash-for-vote is rampant in Tamil Nadu, despite the Election Commission taking steps to curb it.
“It is very sad, but people are used to it, and are not ashamed of receiving this ‘bribe’,” said V Siva Ilango, who heads the Village Development Organisation of Muduthurai, near Coimbatore. The 38-year-old, who works for a private firm in Coimbatore, has started a campaign in his village against this practice.
“There is stiff opposition to our campaign, especially from the women, who think we are impinging on their right to receive money. But we are determined to fight this practice,” he said. The banners put up as part of the campaign are hard-hitting. “Shameless fellows! Receiving money to cast your vote?” reads one.
“We are going around making audio announcements as well,” said Siva Ilango. There’s much secrecy on the sums received, and the givers, he added.
The organisation is also making calls to village residents who have shifted to other places for work, to return on May 16 to cast their votes.