Issuing of EPIC to be over by 2008 end: CEC

Chennai, Oct 29 (UNI) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) V Gopalaswami today said the process of issuing Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) across the country was expected to be completed by the end of 2008.

Speaking to reporters at the airport here en route to Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district on a private visit, he said ''we expect the work on EPIC to be completed by 2008.'' In Tamil Nadu, the preparation of photo electoral rolls would be completed in three months, he added.

On AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa's allegation that electronic voting machines were tampered in favour of the ruling DMK in the recent by-election for Madurai central Assembly constituency, Mr Gopalaswamy quipped, ''State Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta has given an appropriate reply to it.'' UNI AKN AJ YA BD1742