New Delhi

EC orders registration of case against Stalin

New Delhi: Taking a serious view of an incident covered in many print and electronic media about distribution of money by M.K. Stalin, Local Administration Minister and other supporters of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Thirumangalam town on January 3, the Election Commission has ordered registration of a case against him. The Commission also slapped a notice on the DMK to show cause why action should not be taken in this regard for violation of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and indulging in a corrupt practice within the meaning of Sec.123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

It has directed that appropriate complaint be filed by the Returning Officer/ District Election Officer, Madurai, in a competent court of law under the provisions of 171E of Indian Penal Code against Mr. Stalin and others of the DMK and Amman K. Dhandapani and others of the MGR Mandram, who were found distributing money and soliciting votes at Somasundaram Street, Thirumangalam on December 31, 2008.

In its notice to the DMK general secretary, the Commission sought an explanation within two days as to “why action should not be taken against your party under the relevant law and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order,1968, for the said violation of legal provisions of the law and the instructions of the Commission.

In a separate notice to the AIADMK general secretary, the Commission said, “An allegation has been brought to the notice of the Commission that on December 31 at about 8.30 p.m., at Somasundaram Street, Thirumangalam, AIADMK partymen distributed money among electors and solicited votes in return; that some of the papers which slipped from the pocket of one of the persons involved in the act, allegedly belonging to your party, named Amman K. Dhandapani, indicates that he had deposited Rs. 45 lakh in bank in five different names on December, 11, 2008, including in his own name; and that a police complaint has also been lodged in Thirumangalam Town Police Station.”

The Commission sought an explanation within two days “why action should not be taken against your party under the relevant law and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, for the said violation of legal provisions of the law and the instructions of the Commission.”

Meanwhile, the AIADMK submitted a memorandum to Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalaswami alleging that the DMK had planned to tamper with electronic voting machines in about 130 booths out of 190 booths.

It alleged that the ruling party had planned to manipulate the EVMs in order to secure more votes and wanted the Commission to ensure that each and every EVM be thoroughly tested for its 100 per cent error-free functioning at the time of poll.

Reacting to the allegation of distributing money, Mr. Stalin said, “It was a gift to a new born baby… we have evidence to prove this point.”

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