Tue Jan 28 16:04:14 UTC 2025: ## Madras High Court to Hear Case Alleging Voter Intimidation in Erode By-election
**Chennai, January 28, 2025** – A writ petition has been filed in the Madras High Court alleging a major political party employed a “tent strategy” to influence voters during the 2023 Erode (East) Assembly by-election. The petitioner, K.P.M. Raja, a former DMMK candidate, claims the party set up tents in every ward, effectively detaining voters with free food and cash promises in exchange for votes. This, he alleges, prevented other candidates from campaigning effectively and contributed to his poor performance.
Raja, who is not contesting the upcoming February 5th by-election due to fears of a repeated strategy, has petitioned the court to direct the Election Commission of India (ECI) to prevent such tactics. He further requests the ECI to implement measures such as mandatory e-passes for outsiders and an online complaint system to combat electoral malpractices. His January 8th representation to the ECI, he claims, remains unanswered. The High Court will hear the petition on Wednesday.
First Piper 