Coimbatore: The electoral battle in Coimbatore has reached a boiling point, with the AIADMK staging a dharna protest alleging that DMK members are distributing cash to voters in the Coimbatore South constituency. The AIADMK has demanded the cancellation of the election in the constituency and announced that it intends to undertake a hunger strike tomorrow.

District Election officer’s response

Pavan Kumar Giriayappanavar, the Coimbatore District Collector and District Election Officer, met with members of the press to address the allegations. He stated that since the Model Code of Conduct came into force in the district, various measures have been implemented. More than 120 Flying Squad teams and 90 Static Surveillance Teams are currently deployed in the field.

“We are paying special attention to Coimbatore South; in certain constituencies, we have deployed additional teams to intensify surveillance. We are also taking proactive measures to address potential law and order issues. Action is being taken against all electoral violations,” he said.

Investigation and action

The District Election Officer stated that they are immediately investigating every complaint received and have appointed additional teams to handle them. Based on the complaints received, actions such as registering First Information Reports (FIRs) and issuing Community Service Registers (CSRs) have been initiated through the Commissioner of Police and the Superintendent of Police. Inquiries are also being conducted into the conduct of the respective Constituency Returning Officers, with appropriate action being taken where necessary.

Security and surveillance

In accordance with Election Commission regulations, inspections have been conducted regarding individuals staying in Coimbatore who hail from other districts, and appropriate action has been taken. Daily press releases detailing the number of law and order cases registered, as well as the amount of cash and goods seized, are being published.

“We have implemented comprehensive plans to ensure that the election in Coimbatore is conducted without any disruption to law and order. The election in Coimbatore will be conducted without any untoward incidents,” he assured.

In the Coimbatore South constituency alone, more than 20 teams have been deployed in the field to investigate complaints. The district has identified 182 polling stations across Coimbatore as ‘sensitive’ or ‘critical.’

The District Election Officer did not respond to the protest staged by AIADMK members demanding the cancellation of the election.