CPI(M) presses for DMK MLA V S Babu

Chennai, Oct 25 (UNI) The CPI(M), an ally of the ruling DMK, today demanded the arrest of DMK MLA V S Babu for launching a 'murderous' attack on party cadre in the October 13 Chennai Corporation polls.

After the party had launched broadsides against the DMK for 'largescale booth capturing and violence' in the elections, DMK President and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi held a couple of rounds of talks with the CPI(M) state unit secretary N Varadarajan and other party leaders, in a bid to patch up.

After the talks, the DMK leader appealed to the left parties to forget the past, 'let bygones be bygones' and maintain cordial relations, but the CPI(M) would not budge. It was going ahead with its protest demonstration tomorrow over a five point charter of demands, including Mr Babu's arrest.

CPI(M) North Chennai District Secretary T K Shanmugam said in a statement there was largescale violence in several wards, including eight wards where the CPI(M) had contested on its own in the absence of an agreement with the DMK. It demanded repoll in those wards.

He alleged that DMK MLA Babu, along with 'professional criminals' had launched a brutal attack against party candidate Ms B Devi and others involved in election work and demanded their arrest.

He also demanded the arrest of DMK zonal secretary Danasekaran and DMK block secretary Buto alias Krishnamurthy, along with 'professional criminals', who had attaced with weapons CPI(M) South Chennai district committee member Manikandan, party candidate Sarala and other party cadre during the elections.

Mr Shanmugam said the protest demonstration organised by the South Chennai and North Chennai units of the party was also to demand action against the State Election Commissioner, Election Officers and Chennai City Police Commissioner for failing to prevent the violence.

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