Southern States - Tamil Nadu   

'CM made no specific promises'

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI Feb. 24. Taking suo motu action on media reports of certain promises reportedly made by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, during her poll campaign in Sattankulam, the Election Commission today sought a report from the Chief Secretary on the factual correctness of such assurances.

In a message sent this morning, the EC said: "It has come to the notice of the Commission, through both the print and electronic media that the Chief Minister, during her campaign tour, promised the setting up of a women's college, a polytechnic, a sports complex and a cement plant in Sattankulam after the February 26 election is over.

"The Commission directs that a report may come to it from your end by 5 p.m. today, conveying the factual correctness of whether such promises to the electorate were made by the Chief Minister when the model code of conduct is in force in the entire Tuticorin district''.

In her reply sent around 7 p.m., the Chief Secretary said: No specific promises were made by the Chief Minister". She said the Chief Minister, in response to a query from the audience, had only stated that their long-pending demands for a women's college, a polytechnic and a sports complex would be considered by the Government.

Further, she said, the Chief Minister had indicated that in view of the availability of large limestone deposits in the area, the possibility of the setting up a cement factory would be explored by the Government. Sources said the reply would be considered tomorrow by the full Commission.

In another communication sent to the Chief Electoral Officer, the EC has directed "that all outside elements, particularly political elements and their supporters, who are not voters in the constituency, be moved out from 5 p.m. today and this exercise should be over definitely by noon tomorrow. The constituency is to be sealed off so that no outside element can enter it and try to create an ambience that goes contrary to what is required to conduct free and fair elections''.

The EC has told the CEO, "specifically, you may direct the observers in this regard because the Commission desires that this entire exercise be carried out under their close supervision''.

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