NGO launches ‘My vote not for sale’ drive in Madurai

Madurai: Anti-corruption NGO Arappor Iyakkam has been undertaking a campaign titled ‘My Vote is Not for Sale' in Madurai district in the past few days. After starting with Thirumangalam on Saturday, its volunteers moved on to Madurai East and Madurai Central constituencies on Monday.Volunteers visited homes, engaging in conversations and encouraging people to think critically. They asked questions such as, "Who do you think is better: someone who votes after accepting money or someone who votes without taking money?" They also discussed how politicians who offered money for votes might have earned that money, and whether accepting money for votes would cause guilt among people.On Saturday, the volunteers conducted the campaign in Kansapuram village in Melapatti panchayat in Thirumangalam constituency. Villagers raised issues including a transformer problem and lack of bus services from Melapatti to Kansapuram that forced people to walk nearly 2 kilometres. Absence of streetlights, which posed a safety issue, and irregular water supply were also raised by many of them. The villagers pledged to vote for candidates who promised to address these basic needs without accepting money for votes.On Monday, similar campaigns were held in Madurai East and Central constituencies in areas such as Vaigai Nagar and Gokul Nagar, as well as Keezh Vaidyanathapuram. Residents said they did not want free goods or money but only reduction in prices. Many placed stickers on their doors saying, ‘My Vote is Not for Sale; I Will Not Take Money for My Vote.' Arappor Iyakkam volunteers stated that they would continue the awareness campaign until the election concluded.