The DMK has sought more time to respond to the Election Commission’s notice sent to it for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). A senior EC official said the matter is under the consideration of the Commission.

Details of AIADMK’s reply were not immediately available.

The two parties had been asked to respond to the notice by 5 pm on Sunday for violating the MCC.

The Commission had sought an explanation from both the parties as they have made several promises to the electorate, but failed to point out how they planned to fund them. This is deemed to be a violation of the MCC, which states that “in the interest of transparency, level-playing field and credibility of promises, it is expected that manifesto also reflect rationale for promises  and broadly indicate the ways and means to meet the financial requirements for it. Trust of voters should be sought only on those promises which are possible to be fulfilled.”

The AIADMK manifesto had a slew of freebies, including the promise of free cellphones to all ration cardholders, free set-top-boxes to Arasu cable viewers and free internet with free laptops for students. It had also promised 50 per cent subsidy on mopeds/scooters for working women, raised maternity leave to nine months, maternity assistance to ₹18,000 and gold for thali to eight grams.

The DMK manifesto promises a slew of measures for the agriculture sector, including an increase in the minimum support price for paddy to ₹2,000 per quintal (to be increased to ₹ 2,500 later). The DMK had promised a separate budget for agriculture and a ministry for irrigation. Crop loans of small and micro farmers would also be waived.

The DMK also vowed to distribute free dhotis and saris and ₹500 as Pongal gift to micro farmers and agriculture workers, the manifesto adds.

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