Vigilant Collector Urges Unwavering Compliance to Poll Code in Erode District: Safeguarding Democracy in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections!
District Election Officer and Collector S. Kandasamy conducted a crucial meeting at the Collectorate in Erode, Tamil Nadu, on March 16, 2026, to ensure adherence to the Election Commission’s guidelines ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. During the gathering with local stakeholders, including owners of marriage halls, lodges, printing presses, and jewellery shops, Kandasamy emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Kandasamy stressed that any bulk distribution of gifts, irregular financial transactions, or unusual purchasing patterns-especially in jewellery stores-should be promptly reported to the election authorities. “The focus is on ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in our district,” he remarked, underlining the need for vigilance among all stakeholders.
Specific directives were issued for lodge and marriage hall owners, particularly concerning the inclusion of unknown individuals in their venues. They must limit access to suspicious guests from 48 hours before polling until the completion of vote counting. Additionally, proper guest records and prior permissions for events are now mandatory, and using premises for distributing freebies in violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, is strictly prohibited.
Printing press owners received clear instructions to include printer details and copy counts on all printed materials, while also refraining from any content that might incite violence or defame individuals. They are required to maintain comprehensive records and obtain necessary approvals before producing election-related documents.
Furthermore, Kandasamy issued a warning to jewellery shop owners against supplying bulk quantities of small items, urging them to report any such requests immediately. Failure to comply with these regulations will lead to consequences under the applicable laws. The Collector also highlighted that any distribution of food or donations at places of worship, known as annadhanam, must receive prior approval and will be closely monitored to ensure it remains non-political.
Attending the meeting alongside Kandasamy were District Revenue Officer S. Santhakumar, Personal Assistants Thenmozhi (General) and Maheswari (Elections), and Tahsildar (Elections) Shanmugasundaram, among other officials.
In addition to these discussions, Kandasamy inspected the media certification and monitoring committee located at the Collectorate, reinforcing the district’s commitment to upholding electoral fairness and integrity during this critical period.
As the elections approach, Kandasamy’s directives aim to mitigate any potential irregularities, fostering an environment where every vote counts and the democratic process is respected. With stakeholders actively involved in promoting transparency, Erode’s upcoming Assembly elections are poised to reflect the democratic spirit of the region.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly/tamil-nadu-assembly-election-collector-emphasises-strict-adherence-to-poll-code-in-erode-district/article70752931.ece
Category : Tamil Nadu
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-03-17 18:23:00
