Chennai, March 24: As the dates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach, election monitors have recommended deploying drones to enhance surveillance against cash-for-votes practices, particularly in urban areas where monitoring poses significant challenges.
This suggestion emerged during a review meeting led by special observers, which brought together general and expenditure observers from key districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram.
The discussion focused on addressing enforcement shortcomings ahead of polling day. Officials noted that the trend of offering cash incentives is often more prevalent in narrow alleys and densely populated areas, where traditional monitoring teams face difficulties in maintaining constant oversight. These systemic obstacles increase the likelihood of last-minute violations.
To tackle this issue, observers proposed the use of drone-based surveillance to provide aerial coverage and improve real-time monitoring of suspicious activities. This technology is viewed as a means to strengthen oversight in hard-to-reach areas and act as a deterrent against illegal distribution.
So far, there has been no official response from the Election Commission of India or the state’s Chief Electoral Officer regarding this proposal. Sources indicate that any decision will likely involve assessing the feasibility of such monitoring measures before implementation.
Tamil Nadu has been classified as an expenditure-sensitive state, leading to the deployment of general and expenditure observers in each constituency. Since the enforcement of the code of conduct, enforcement agencies have intensified investigations across the state. Aerial teams and static monitoring units have already seized approximately ₹151 crores in cash and valuables.
Amid efforts to tighten monitoring in the final phase before voting, the proposed use of drones reflects an increasing reliance on technology to prevent electoral malpractices and ensure strict compliance with election regulations.
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S.A.K./A.S.
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