Additional observers for TN by-poll under consideration: CEO

Madurai, Oct 9 (UNI) Following apprehensions over free and fair elections, which have clouded the October 11 by-poll to the Tamil Nadu Assembly from Madurai Central constituency, the Election Commission is considering posting additional poll observers, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Naresh Gupta said today.

Addressing media here after reviewing the situation with Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) R Bhattacharya, he said the issue was before the EC.

It might be recalled that the opposition AIADMK had demanded the transfer of poll observers, alleging they had failed to be impartial.

That 'outside elements' operating in the constituency had vitiated the atmosphere had been revealed in the study by the DEC, who was here for an on-the-spot assessment, he disclosed.

Stating that non-voters from outside would be removed from the constituency, he said three companies of paramilitary forces had been deployed for security in the constituency.

Asked whether Local Administration Minister and DMK leader M K Stalin's announcement that the government's free colour TV programme had been extended to cover all ration card holders was a violation of the model code, the CEO said it would be taken note of after the facts were ascertained. Whether the announcement was new and exceeded the previous ambit of the programme would have to be considered.

He laughed away a question on whether the EC was contemplating action against City Police Commissioner M Chidambarasamy as there was a precedent in Madurai during the last elections.

The DEC's report to the EC, he said, would contain the nature of violations, number of complaints and action taken so far. He did not elaborate.

When his attention was drawn to the attack on newspersons, he said complaints should be lodged before the appropriate authority to take cognizance of it.

After landing here, the DEC and CEO held a series of discussions with top police and revenue officials and heard representations from candidates in the fray. Most candidates came to present their case.

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