No AIADMK presence in Chennai Corporation

Chennai, Oct 23 (UNI) The strength of the Opposition AIADMK, which had barely managed to win four wards in the 155 ward Chennai Corporation elections, was reduced to nil after Party Supremo J Jayalalithaa today sacked two newly elected councillors for anti-party activities, while two others resigned.

Those elected were Bhuvaneswari (Ward 1), Subash Chandra Bose (Ward 26), Sundaramurthy (Ward 62) and Krishnan (Ward 71).

In a statement here, Ms Jayalalithaa announced the expulsion of Ms Bhuvaneswari and Mr Bose for indulging in anti-party activities.

Party sources said the duo had refused to heed to the Party High Command's decision to quit the post in protest against the rigging during the polls.

Meanwhile, the other two elected AIADMK Councillors Krishnan and Sundaramurthy today resigned, condemning the large-scale violence in the elections.

Mr Krishnan and Mr Sundaramurthy later called on Ms Jayalalithaa at her residence and pledged their support.

The DMK-led DPA swept the elections held to the Chennai Corporation, which were marred by largescale booth rigging and sporadic violence. The AIADMK filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking to declare the elections 'null and void.' Re-polling held in 27 booths spread over 12 wards were boycotted by the AIADMK and its ally MDMK.

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