By contesting Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, if one carries more than Rs. 50,000 in cash or more than Rs. 10,000 worth of gifts or materials, including movable properties, without proper declaration, it will be considered an offense. This election procedure is not just limited until April 19th but has been extended until June 4th.
The term of the 17th Lok Sabha members is ending on June 16th. The Election Commission of India announced in March that Lok Sabha elections will be held in phases starting from April 19th until June 1st across India. The filing of nominations will begin in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on April 19th.
The elections will be conducted in seven phases: April 19th, April 26th, May 7th, May 13th, May 20th, May 25th, and June 1st. A total of 102 constituencies, including Tamil Nadu, will go to the polls.
As the election approaches, campaigners are actively engaging in propaganda, moving from urban to rural areas. Campaigning heats up as temperatures rise and political activities intensify. Some campaigners are distributing cash in bundles, raising concerns. The Election Commission is closely monitoring these activities.
When traveling from Chennai to Kanyakumari carrying Rs. 50,000 or more, besides encountering strict checks, one may face severe scrutiny. The Income Tax Department is conducting thorough investigations into the income of campaigners’ homes across all districts. Billions of rupees are being seized. Doubts have been raised daily about the huge sums of money spent by candidates for campaigning.
According to election guidelines, those who carry more than Rs. 50,000 in cash or more than Rs. 10,000 worth of gifts or materials must accompany proper identity documents. Those carrying such items are subject to scrutiny. The concerned officials can check the authenticity of the declarations made by reviewing income documents and goods returned. Therefore, it is essential for the public and traders to strictly adhere to the stated guidelines without fail.
The Election Commission has declared that until a certain period, candidates are restricted from carrying more than Rs. 50,000 in cash or more than Rs. 10,000 worth of gifts or materials. This restriction extends until June 4th, as informed by the Election Commission.