(Rptg, adding matter)

Chennai, Oct 9 (UNI) Alleging that the ruling DMK has planned to arrest AIADMK workers and its functionaries to create fear psychosis during the October 11 Asembly bypolls in the Madurai Central Constituency, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko today urged the Election Commission to deploy Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or Paramilitary forces to ensure a free and fair poll.

In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), a copy of which was released to UNI here, Mr Vaiko said to ensure a free and fair poll, the EC should depute additional observers with a direction to them to maintain strict vigil on the polling day.

He alleged that the DMK had planned to arrest AIADMK men to create fear psychosis in the minds of the people and thereby capture the polling booths and register false votes.

''A free and fair poll cannot be conducted if the Tamil Nadu Police is permitted to operate in the constituency,'' he said and urged the EC to deploy Central forces and depute additional observers.

Mr Vaiko alleged that the DMK government had thrown all the EC norms to the winds by blatant misuse of power and had been unleashing rpt unleashing terror in the constituency with the connivance of the police.

He also condemned the attack on AIADMK candidate Rajan Chellappa and the police allegedly foisting cases against him.

UNI GV ROY SHB RN1614