Campaign for Madurai Assembly by-poll ends

Madurai, Oct 9 (UNI) An acrimonious and volatile campaign between two dominant Dravidian parties for the October 11 bye-election to the Madurai Central Assembly constituency came to a close this evening.

A total of 19 candidates, including DMK, AIADMK and DMDK of film star Vijaykant, are in the fray.

While the DMK fielded City Corporation Deputy Mayor S S Ghouse Basha, a camp follower of M K Azhagiri, son of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, the AIADMK fielded former MP and Party District Secretary V V Rajan Chellappa.

The DMDK's candidate was M R Pannerselvam, hailing from nearby Siaganga District.

Display of money power and muscle power resulting in clash between AIADMK and DMK cadres left an unsavoury mark on the campaign.

Acting tough, after an on-the-spot inquiry by Deputy Election Commissioner R Bhattacharya into the role of the police in taking action on the complaints of violence and cash distribution, the Election Commission today ordered transfer of City Police Commissioner M Chidambarasamy.

The campaign saw an array of leaders visiting the constituency right from Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi, his arch rival AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko and film actor Vijaykant.

While the DMK President confined his campaign to a public meeting along with leaders of the DPA, the AIADMK supremo walked an extra mile by traversing the streets on a vehicle.

Film actor Vijaykant also toured most parts of the constituency.

Local Administration Minister M K Stalin and other DMK ministers were also engaged in the campaign.

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