Mon Sep 08 03:03:17 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Anti-Corruption Group Arappor Iyakkam Launches Statewide Campaign Against Vote Buying**

**CHENNAI, September 8, 2025** – Arappor Iyakkam, the anti-corruption watchdog, launched a statewide campaign on Sunday, September 7th, 2025, aimed at combatting the practice of voters accepting money in exchange for their votes. The initiative will see Arappor members engaging in direct conversations with citizens across all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the unethical nature of vote buying.

The launch coincided with the tenth anniversary of Arappor’s founding in 2015. Coordinator Jayaram Venkatesan stated that a pilot project indicated that most voters consider accepting money for votes unethical.

A commemorative event was held at Sir Pitti Thyagaraya Hall in T. Nagar, reflecting on Arappor’s achievements over the past decade. These accomplishments include exposing corruption in various government departments, restoring water bodies, securing land rights for tribal communities, addressing issues in Tamil Nadu Urban Housing Development Board housing settlements, and conducting awareness programs and RTI training sessions.

During the event, Venkatesan also launched his book, “Is Corruption even a Problem?” in the presence of singer T.M. Krishna and filmmaker Raju Murugan. A panel discussion on Arappor’s role in social change over the last 10 years and their role ahead was moderated by Suresh, national general secretary of PUCL, featuring eminent speakers including Sudha Ramalingam (lawyer and human rights activist) and Henri Tiphagne (Executive Director, People’s Watch).

Adding a creative dimension to the campaign, filmmaker Raju Murugan announced a short film competition themed “My Vote is Not for Sale.” Aspiring filmmakers can register at arappor.org/shortfilmcontest and submit their entries by October 31, 2025.

Arappor Iyakkam’s continued efforts aim to foster accountability, transparency, and ethical governance in Tamil Nadu.

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