Kerala: Observers step up vigil in rural areas for freebies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the campaigning reaching the final phase, the election observers have  stepped up the vigil against the candidates wooing the voters with cash or freebies. Though no such instance has been detected yet, the officials suspect such  clandestine operations taking place  mainly in backward areas.

The election squads are monitoring the remote areas in the state, especially near dalit colonies. All vehicles along rural roads are being checked to prevent carrying of illegal cash or gifts. “Previously, though there were reports that political parties were giving cash to the voters in rural areas,  it was difficult to expose the clandestine practice. Moreover, none had come forward with specific complaints,” a senior police officer said.

This time, it is a triangular fight in many constituencies along with rebel threat. Hence,  votes may be bought by candidates. Though allegations of supplying saris were reported from the state capital, the election officials could not detect it.

Apart from Rs. 22 crore in cash, the special squads have also seized foreign currencies, liquor and even gold from people bringing them into the state.  The source and destination of the items seized were only being probed.

Over 300 surveillance teams are working in the state under 47 general observers. This apart, 40 expenditure observers and 14 police observers have also been deployed by the Election Commission to check any violations of the election code of conduct and to ensure security.