Tamil Nadu polls: Shops, small firms will be open, says T Vellaiyan

Chennai: The president of Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangankalin Peramaippu T. Vellaiyan on Saturday said shops and small firms in Tamil Nadu will remain open on May 16, the date of polling, which has been declared a public holiday under the Representation of the People Act.

The statement of the traders’ leader runs counter to a recent order of the State Labour department instructing firms  to close on the polling day so that employees can cast their votes.

“There are about 60 lakh shops in the state and most shops will remain open,” Vellaiyan told DC. In a statement,  he also said traders had been adversely affected due to the model code of conduct, political rallies and bandhs. After casting their votes, traders will open shops and they cannot afford to lose their business.

Traders have lost their business and daily earnings due to seizure of cash by flying squads. The EC officials should return the seized cash with interest, he said.

Responding to the statement, a senior official on poll duty in Chennai said the EC’s instructions are clear. Those who open their shops or firms will be penalised.

Meanwhile, Tiruvallur collector A. Sundaravalli has said all firms and establishments should declare a paid holiday on May 16. If denied leave, employees can file a complaint with the district labour department. She also said for online complaints public can send a mail to 100percentvoteholiday.tnlabour@gmail.com for immediate action or call 9445398745.