EC is biased, says CPI

Tiruchirapalli, Apr 6 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu unit of the CPI today charged the Election Commission (EC) with functioning in a biased manner in the state.

Addressing a press conference here this evening, CPI State Secretary T Pandiyan alleged the EC was acting in a partial manner by erasing the wall writings of the Opposition parties while those of the ruling party were left untouched.

''The EC should ensure a level playing field. Let the same rules apply to all parties,'' he said.

When asked about AIADMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's appeal to the EC to extend deadline for campaigning to 2300 hrs, Mr Pandiyan said '' we will have no objection if the deadline was extended.'' On Ms Jayalalithaa's charge that the EC fixed the deadline for campaigning at 2200 hrs under pressure from the DMK, he shot back, ''Is it possible for (DMK President) Mr Karunanidhi to dictate the EC.'' He also dismissed any speculation on prospects of hung Assembly in the state.

On MDMK leader Vaiko's attack against Mr Karunanidhi during the election campaign, the CPI state secretary said he had not heard his speech.

To a question on a recent poll survey showing the AIADMK to have a slight edge over the DMK, Mr Pandiyan said the DPA- led by Mr M Karunanidhi - was very strong according to their survey.

Asked about populist schemes announced by the DMK in its election manifesto, Mr Pandiyan said ''the man (Mr Karunanidhi) who prepared the manifesto was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for four times.

''He knows very well about administration. Though it may appear impractical to implement, Mr Karunanidhi will achieve it.

He also denied any feud in the CPI over selection of candidates from the party.

Mr Pandiyan said the party's election manifesto will be released on April nine in Chennai and campaigning will start the same day.

It will focus on restoration of democracy and development of the state among others.

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