Arappor Iyakkam launches campaign urging citizens not to accept money for votes

Arappor Iyakkam on Sunday (September 7, 2025) launched a statewide campaign aimed at reaching households across all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu, spreading awareness through direct conversations, and urging citizens not to accept money for votes.

Speaking at the event organised on Sunday (September 7, 2025) to mark 10 years of the fight against corruption, Arappor Iyakkam coordinator Jayaram Venkatesan said: “Most of the voters who participated in an introductory pilot project about accepting money for votes said it was unethical.” 

Founded in 2015 to fight corruption and bring accountability and transparency in governance, Arappor completed its tenth year in August 2025. To commemorate this milestone, the members of Arappor gathered along with local residents at Sir Pitti Thyagaraya Hall, T. Nagar to discuss the impact of the previous campaigns and achievements.

The event highlighted Arappor’s achievements over the past decade, as well as the obstacles faced along the way. Over the last ten years, Arappor has undertaken a wide range of initiatives: exposing corruption across various government departments, restoring water bodies, securing land rights (pattas) for tribal communities, addressing issues in Tamil Nadu Urban Housing Development Board housing settlements, and conducting awareness programs and RTI training sessions.

Mr. Venkatesan launched his book “Is Corruption even a Problem?” in the presence of singer T.M. Krishna and filmmaker Raju Murugan. A panel discussion on Arappor’s role in social change over the last 10 years and their role ahead was moderated by Suresh, national general secretary of PUCL, featuring eminent speakers including Sudha Ramalingam (lawyer and human rights activist) and Henri Tiphagne (Executive Director, People’s Watch).

Filmmaker Raju Murugan announced a short film competition on the theme “My Vote is Not for Sale”. Aspiring filmmakers are invited to register at arappor.org/shortfilmcontest and submit their entries by October 31, 2025.