Condemning the alleged distribution of money and saris to voters by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam [Images], Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko has said that "it is an atrocity to exploit people's poverty" and asked the voters to "teach such people a lesson".

Addressing an election meeting in Madurai [Images] on Thursday night, he said there were reports about "unprecedented payment of money and gifts" to voters with a view to "purchase them".

"Madurai is a city where the legendary heroine Kannagi made even the King die of shock for giving a wrong verdict in a theft case involving her husband Kovalan. The people here are proud of their justice, fairness and honesty. But there is a move to buy the people by resorting to malpractices," he said.

Stating that the alleged money distribution was being done in instalments, he said there was a plan to give up to Rs 2000 to voters in another two days. "Where does all these money come from? It is an atrocity to exploit the people's poverty. The ruling party expects to win the Madurai constituency like they did during the by-election to Tirumangalam assembly constituency," he said.

He alleged that police filed false cases against opposition partymen.