Tamil Nadu polls: Independent candidate files nomination with 'basket of coins' in Tirupattur

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.

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.

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)