Chennai, March 24 – As the election date approaches, election observers in Tamil Nadu have recommended the use of drones to intensify surveillance against practices of exchanging money for votes, particularly in urban areas where monitoring remains a challenge.
The suggestion emerged during a review meeting led by the Special Observer, bringing together observers from key districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram.
The discussions focused on addressing enforcement gaps ahead of the election day. Officials pointed out that inducement distribution often shifts to difficult-to-reach areas such as narrow streets and densely populated neighborhoods, where conventional teams struggle to maintain constant vigilance. These logistical constraints, they noted, create opportunities for last-minute violations.
To address this, observers proposed the use of drone-based monitoring to provide aerial coverage and improve real-time tracking of suspicious movements.
The technology is seen as a way to strengthen surveillance in inaccessible areas and act as a deterrent against illegal distribution.
There has been no official response yet from the Election Commission of India or the state's Chief Electoral Officer regarding the proposal.
Sources indicated that the feasibility of such surveillance measures is likely to be assessed before any decision is taken.
Tamil Nadu has been categorized as an expenditure-sensitive state, leading to the deployment of general and expenditure observers in every constituency.
Since the Model Code of Conduct came into force, enforcement agencies have intensified checks across the state. Flying squads and static surveillance teams have seized cash and valuables worth around Rs 151 crore so far.
As authorities look to tighten oversight in the final phase before the election, the proposed use of drones reflects a growing reliance on technology to curb electoral malpractices and ensure stricter compliance with poll regulations.