Date:21/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/21/stories/2007062151280100.htm

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EC warns of bypoll postponement

J. Venkatesan

Asks State Government to improve situation in Madurai West constituency

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Wednesday warned the Tamil Nadu Government that it would be constrained to postpone the byelection to the Madurai West Assembly constituency if the situation there did not improve within 24 hours.

Highly placed sourced told The Hindu that the message was conveyed in the evening to Chief Secretary L.K. Tripathy, when he spoke to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N. Gopalaswami.

The CEC conveyed to him the Commission’s concern over “serious breach of law and order; distribution of money to voters, people being brought to the constituency from outside; registration of false cases; plying of vehicles within the constituency without valid permit and laxity on the part of the police and the administration in taking action.”

‘Clear violation’

According to the sources, the CEC told Mr. Tripathy: “There was clear violation of instructions at the time of filing of nominations. There was laxity on the part of the officials in taking action. Even when we asked the police to take action, nothing was done; probably, you were waiting for orders from above. You are not able to control the situation even though the Commission has despatched six battalions of Central paramilitary forces.”

The CEC is reported to have told the Chief Secretary that the EC was watching the situation and that unless there was immediate improvement in the situation, “the Commission will be constrained to postpone the election.”

The sources said the Chief Secretary had assured the Commission that the Government would take appropriate steps to bring the situation under control to ensure free and fair elections. They said “if things do not improve and the situation is not conducive for the conduct of a free and fair poll, the Commission will not hesitate to postpone the poll.” Further action would depend on the State Government’s response, the sources added.

CEO’s report

The Commission has received reports from Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta. The Election Observers had also sent reports on the ground realities. It had received complaints regarding alleged distribution of money to voters and that voters are being intimidated in the constituency. Some candidates alleged that outsiders were camping in the constituency and that the police were acting in a partisan manner and not taking proper action. Reports of violation of the Model Code of Conduct by some Ministers also reached the Commission.

Congress leaders Oscar Fernandes, V. Narayanasamy and Motilal Vora met the CEC and requested the Commission not to postpone the byelection. The CEC assured them that their request would be taken into consideration.