CPI(M) TN unit to agitate; not satisfied with DMK action

Chennai, Nov 2 (UNI) Refusing to bury the hatchet, the Tamil Nadu unit of the CPI(M) today decided to organise a state-wide agitation on November six, to protest against the violence in the October 13 Chennai Corporation elections.

Pointing out that the perpetrators had not been brought to book despite the party's protest demonstration here on October 26, state unit secretary N Varadarajan, in a statement here, called upon all sections of people to join the 'save democracy stir' to be held in all district headquarters on November six.

He said the civic elections, held in two phases on October 13 and 15, though by and large peaceful in other parts of the state, were marred by booth capturing and violence in the city.

CPI(M) party candidates and frontline leaders were brutally attacked in the violence and the elections were held after 'throwing to the winds, all democratic norms and election guidelines,' he alleged.

The State Election Commission, which had the responsibility to conduct the poll in a free and fair manner and the city police, which had the responsibility to provide security, remained as mute spectators, Mr Varadarajan charged.

He regretted that the DMK government had so far, not initiated any action against erring officials and had not come forward to hold repoll in wards affected by violence.

Pointing out that the previous AIADMK had lost power after it pursued anti-democratic and anti-people policies and stifled the voice of working class and the media, Mr Varadarajan said the DMK government should bear this in mind and mend its ways.

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