Elections are around the corner. Parties are busy campaigning. Leaders address people across the State braving the hot sun. They travel the length and breadth of Tamilnadu in a bid to reach out to the maximum number of voters. However, many say the flavour around the campaign has come down drastically. It is more personal attacks these days against each other.

The Election Commission’s strict ruling is the reason, say partymen. They have enforced rules and regulations that prevent us from going in full flow. The curb on expenditure, ban of loudspeakers, High Court’s ruling against cut-outs and banners are also other reasons, they say. There used to be more street-corner meetings and walls of every house will be painted with party symbols. Things have become quiet these days.

However, one major challenge for the Election Commission is preventing distribution of cash for votes. Suspect cash, illegal liquor and drugs valued at over Rs 1,460 crore have been seized from across the country since the parliamentary election schedule was announced by the Election Commission, an official data said a couple of days ago. The EC has deployed hundreds of general observers, expenditure observers and static and mobile surveillance teams in the country to keep a check on the flow of black money and other illegal gratification so that the level playing field of holding fair polls is not disturbed. But will that be enough to ensure a fair poll this time?