AIADMK urges EC to replace Observer with suitable person

Chennai, Oct 6 (UNI) Charging the Election Observer for the by-election to the Madurai Central Assembly constituency with functioning under the control of the DMK, the opposition AIADMK today appealed to the Election Commission of India to remove him and appoint a ''suitable person'' in the place.

In a memorandum to the EC and State Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta, AIADMK Election Wing Secretary O Panneerselvam said the Observer, Mr Sanjeev Kumar, was ''absolutely of no help to the general public and does not serve the purpose for which he is posted.'' The Observer took no interest in the alleged malpractices by the DMK, even though complaints were lodged with him. He refused to take cognizance of these matters and also refused to receive the complaints,'' he alleged.

''The change of the Observer is a sine-qua-non and is insisted upon for a fair poll. He is quite happy to function under the control and directions of the DMK,'' he added.

Mr Panneerselvam also sought the removal of 29 State Ministers, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's son M K Azhagiri and three of his associates from Madurai to ensure fair and free by-poll.

Alleging that Madurai city police commissioner M Chidambarasamy, who was supposed to maintain law and order, did not take any action on complaints, the AIADMK demanded his removal from the post till the election process was completed.

He also urged the EC to issue directions to the Madurai District Collector to immediately close down all marriage mandapams in the constituency as it was being used by DMK men to distribute money to voters.

UNI AKN VD PM1917