May 18, 2016
The Election Commission announced the formation of an inquiry committee to look into the allegations of widespread attempts to bribe the voters in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur constituencies. Polling in both the constituencies was rescheduled to May 23.
The announcement was made today by the Chief Electoral Officer for Tamil Nadu, Rajesh Lakhoni. The seven-member committee, which was constituted today, has been instructed to submit its report by evening tomorrow. The committee will visit both the constituencies and suggest if additional steps are needed to ensure fair elections.
Voting was cancelled on May 16 after huge amounts of money were seized in the constituencies. It has been postponed to May 23, on the hopes that the effect of the gifts and money would wear off and people would cast their votes solely based on the merits of the candidates.