Tiruppur, April 20, 2026: As Tamil Nadu’s assembly elections approach on April 23, claims have emerged in Tiruppur South regarding a QR code system allegedly used to influence voters, sparking worries about the fairness of the vote.
Reports indicate that individuals connected to the DMK and the chief minister’s circle are distributing printed slips featuring QR codes to residents. These include voter identification details and a unique serial number managed via backend software.
DMK workers are said to provide these along with an Rs 8,000 redeemable card, a UPI-connected QR code, and an official election slip. The card is supposedly cashable if DMK wins, the QR code usable prior to the election, and the slip for polling day.
Verification and Cash Disbursements
Subsequently, other people reportedly tied to the DMK candidate’s relatives return to check the QR codes. Once verified, direct cash is handed over, and the slips are retrieved.
This approach is viewed as an advanced technique to deliver payments accurately, track them, and reduce intermediaries.
It is also seen as coercive, potentially pressuring recipients to support DMK under threat of repercussions.
Candidate Details and Political Setting
The issue involves DMK contender Dinesh Kumar, who stepped down as mayor to run in Tiruppur South. The constituency was previously represented by DMK’s incumbent MLA Selvaraj, facing local corruption claims.
Concerns Over Unauthorized Immigrants
Additional alarms involve unauthorized Bangladeshi and Rohingya communities in the area.
Recently, authorities detained people with counterfeit Aadhaar and voter IDs, reportedly connected to illegal entrants.
These issues heighten fears for national security and election reliability, with observers cautioning that they could erode democratic processes.
