Date:17/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/17/stories/2008121760250800.htm

Tamil Nadu

Petition seeks by-poll in Mangalore constituency

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the Election Commission to hold a by-election in the Mangalore constituency along with the by-poll in the Tirumangalam constituency on January 9.

G.Ramalingam, president of the Ivanur panchayat in Thittakudi taluk in Cuddalore district said he was a voter in Mangalore.

In the general elections in 2006, K.Selvam contested from the constituency as a candidate of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and was declared elected.

On November 11, Mr.Selvam submitted his resignation as a member of the Assembly to the Speaker.

No action taken yet

The seat has fallen vacant. Consequently, the Election Commission ought to issue a notification for filling the vacancy. But, no action had been taken.

The people of the constituency have been deprived of a representative in the Legislative Assembly, the petitioner said.