Ensure free and fair polls, says Venkaiah

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, OCT. 17. The State Election Commission must take action against those involved in disruption activities and also ensure a free and fair second phase civic polls on October 18, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Rural Development Minister said here today.

Speaking to presspersons after attending a meeting, Mr.Naidu said as a Central Minister, he could not ``really comment on the problem'', but said it was for the State Election Commission to look into the issue.

Responding to a question about the Congress' opposition to reinstating Mr. George Fernandes as Defence Minister, Mr.Naidu said, ``the Congress has no moral right to talk about this. I am surprised how a party that has accepted a person convicted by court as Chief Minister can object to Mr. Fernandes occupying the post''. He claimed that ``Mr.Fernandes is not tainted. There is no chargesheet or FIR against him, only an enquiry against the department. In fact, Mr.Fernandes is one of the most effective and good ministers the country has ever had''.

Mr.Naidu accused the Congress and Communist parties of `political bankruptcy' and double standards with reference to assessing probity in public life.

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Section  : Southern States
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