Political parties decry arrival of sewing machines at Kanniyakumari Collectorate

Tension prevailed at the Collectorate in Kanniyakumari when a container truck carrying hundreds of sewing machines meant for welfare distribution arrived on the premises on Monday.

Representatives of recognised political parties were at the Collectorate for the first phase of randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs). They noticed the container uploading numerous carton boxes into a room within the premises.

Suspecting violation of election norms, they alerted members of other parties. Soon, a large number of BJP and AIADMK cadre gathered and questioned how such a consignment could be brought into the Collectorate premises when the model code of conduct was in force across the State since March 15.

District officials rushed to the spot and clarified that the materials had been procured well in advance for distribution as welfare assistance. However, the party members opened some of the carton boxes and verified that they contained sewing machines.

Dev, a BJP functionary present on the scene, said the party members raised objections collectively. He alleged that he was told that the machines were intended for distribution under the ‘Ungaludan Stalin’ scheme and that similar consignments had been delivered to other districts as well.

He added that officials sealed the room where the sewing machines were stored.

A district official, who was at the spot, confirmed the action.

Kanniyakumari Collector and District Election Officer R. Alagumeena told The Hindu that the machines had been ordered by the State government a few months ago. The particular supplier had already distributed consignments to some other districts. The shipment reached Kanniyakumari on Monday and some stock in the container could be meant for Tenkasi district.

Prior information about the consignment could have helped in avoiding the situation. “I would have prevented its arrival as Kanniyakumari is a sensitive district,” she added.