D. Prabhakaran, an activist who successfully took on mafia that illegally mined sand at Puthupalayam irrigation tank here and now an Independent candidate in Tirupur North constituency, commenced an indefinite fast here on Wednesday for a varied cause.
Demands of him include closing all the liquor shops till the elections were over and disqualification of candidates who spent more than the permitted Rs. 28 lakh for campaigning in a constituency. “I have started the agitation after my petition to Chief Electoral Officer asking for closure of liquor shops and action including disqualification of candidates who have spent more than Rs. 28 lakh, did not even get any reply”, he told The Hindu.
He wanted the election process to be free from the influence of liquor and cash.
“Many party workers are distributing liquor to lure the voters and hence, asked for the closure of shops till the polling was over.”
On spending, Mr. Prabhakaran pointed out that the expenses of campaigning in vehicles and public meetings alone were accounted to some extent.