CPI leader alleges vote-buying in Dharapuram by-election

CPI Tamil Nadu state secretary M Veerapandian has accused political rivals, including the ruling TVK, of attempting to “purchase votes” ahead of the Dharapuram Assembly constituency by-election scheduled for October 6.

Veerapandian alleged that ministers have been camping in rural villages to promise the sudden fulfillment of long-standing local demands, such as schools or temples, solely for electoral gain. He characterized this as “putting a price on entire villages” rather than engaging in genuine political discourse. Furthermore, he claimed that groups accompanying campaigners were collecting voter details and mobile numbers to facilitate digital payments through platforms like GPay and PhonePe.

The CPI leader criticized the Election Commission for failing to prevent the alleged distribution of cash to voters and called for a level playing field. In contrast to his rivals, Veerapandian stated that the CPI would focus its campaign on door-to-door interactions regarding livelihood issues, price rises, and the needs of various workers.