Election Vigilance Forum (EVF) State convenor B. Kanaka Ratnam has appealed to the people to vote for a better government and not get lured by money and liquor.
Addressing a press conference here on Friday, he said that money-based politics was ruling the roost in Indian democracy and politics has become a dynastic rule.
Mr. Ratnam alleged that political parties have no ideals and he pointed out that the parties have dumped close to Rs. 30,000 crore to fund the campaign and buy votes.
He urged the youth to come forward and vote for the better candidate. “Today, 50 per cent of the electorate is in the age group of 18- 40 years and they should not only come forward to exercise their franchise, but also vote judiciously and not fall for petty sops and gifts,” he said. According to him, political parties garner votes either through corrupt practices or by promising welfare schemes that are not feasible. “Both are wrong ways to secure votes,” pointed out Mr. Kanaka Ratnam.
Former Acharya Nagarjuna University Vice-Chancellor V. Balamohandas said that buying votes was a crime and media should play a vital role in spreading the awareness campaign.
Local coordinator M.V.S. Roy said that the forum had written to both Chief Election Commissioner of India V.S. Sampat and to the State’s Chief Electoral Officer Banwarlal for allowing a separate queue in the polling stations for the senior citizens.
