DMK seeks ECI action against TVK Dharapuram candidate over alleged poll expenditure violation
The DMK has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India against a TVK candidate, alleging violations of campaign expenditure disclosure rules. The complaint follows a viral video where the candidate purportedly discussed large-scale spending on logistics and coordination.
Why it matters
Allegations of campaign finance violations strike at the integrity of the electoral process and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
The DMK on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), seeking action against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) Dharapuram Assembly segment candidate P. Sathyabama, alleging non-disclosure of election campaign expenditure and violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
DMK MLA S. Austin lodged the complaint with Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik at the Secretariat in Chennai. In his complaint, he referred to a purported video that went viral on social media platforms , in which Ms. Sathyabama was heard saying that “an amount of approximately ₹14 lakh was spent on logistics, including hotel accommodation for visiting dignitaries/Ministers, flight tickets for alliance representatives and setting amounts related to election coordination/resorts.”
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