The Election Commission has set up a four-member team to look into alleged malpractices in Tamil Nadu's Aravakurichi and Thanjavur constituencies, where polling has been deferred to next week.

In a statement, the Election Commission said that the team would consist of a general observer, expenditure observer, police observer and another officer to look into the cause of large-scale distribution of gifts and money in the constituencies.

The Commission has also directed that additional teams be provided for every 10 polling stations in these two assembly constituencies to keep a close watch on the situation and monitor developments to ensure free and fair elections.

Among the 234 constituencies that went to polls on May 16, the Election Commission deferred elections in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur constituencies due to alleged distribution of gifts and money.

As per the order, polling for the two constituencies will now be held on May 23.