Report on bypoll 'violations' by DMK, AIADMK sent to EC: CEO

Madurai, Sep 25 (UNI) Violation of norms by both the ruling DMK and the Opposition AIADMK during filing of nomination for bye-election to the Madurai Central Assembly constituency has been reported to the Election Commission, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Naresh Gupta said today.

Responding to a question from mediapersons here this evening, he said a report had been forwarded to the EC on which it would take appropriate action.

Asked if the offence would attract disqualification of the candidates, he replied in the negative.

When his attention was drawn to the 'clash of schedule' with the bye-election being held a few days ahead of the civic poll leading to confusion over campaign, he said any violation of the provisions of the Representation of People's Act would be deemed to a violation, inviting necessary action.

Polling for the by-election is slated for October 11 while for the civic poll it is October 15. As many as 15 wards under the City Corporation limit fall under the Madurai Central constituency and campaigning for the civic elections would turn out to be a 'surrogate campaign' for the bypoll by the respective parties.

However, Mr Gupta said campaign for the bye-election would cease 48 hours ahead of polling -- on October nine.

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