Tamil Nadu polls: Independent files nomination with Rs 10k in coins

An independent candidate in Tamil Nadu, Mohan Raj, filed his nomination for the Jolarpet seat by paying his Rs 10,000 deposit in coins. Meanwhile, election flying squads inspected vehicles of DMK leaders Kanimozhi and Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.

An independent candidate from the Jolarpet Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu filed his nomination in a unique manner on Thursday, drawing attention by submitting his deposit amount entirely in coins. Mohan Raj (26), son of Ramamoorthy and a resident of Sunnambukuttai near Natrampalli, arrived at the Natrampalli Taluk Office carrying Rs 10,000 in coins neatly arranged in a basket. Accompanied by his friends and supporters, he submitted his nomination papers to Election Officer Murugesan. The unusual gesture created a buzz among officials and onlookers present at the office, as candidates across the state continue to adopt distinctive methods to stand out during the nomination process ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections.

During the filing process, Mohan Raj also took an oath on the Constitution of India, affirming his commitment to abide by election rules and regulations.

Election Officials Conduct Vehicle Checks

Ahead of the upcoming assembly polls, the election flying squad officials on Thursday inspected vehicles of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leaders, including Tamil Nadu Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and party MP Kanimozhi. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the DMK candidate from the Thiruverumbur constituency, was intercepted by election officials while campaigning in various parts of his constituency. While travelling along the Thiruverumbur-Vengur road, the flying squad stopped his vehicle and carried out an inspection as part of routine monitoring during the election period.

In a separate incident in Sivaganga, a team of Election Commission flying squad officials, along with police personnel, conducted a check of Kanimozhi's vehicle. The inspection was carried out amid heightened vigilance to ensure compliance with election norms.

Polls Scheduled for April 23

The ECI announced that Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The MCC came into effect immediately after ECI's announcement, with the initiation of the election process for the 234-member state assembly, whose current tenure ends on May 10. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)