Fresh election to 99 wards likely in April

Chennai, Jan 18 (UNI) Fresh election to 99 of 155 wards of Chennai Corporation is likely to be held in April.

Official sources in Tamil Nadu Election Commission told UNI that it would require at least two months' time to hold fresh election after it received the vacancy report from the Chennai Corporation.

The sources said that after the resignation of the councillors, the Corporation council, in a week's time, should give the Commission a report on the vacancies.

After receiving the report, the Commission would issue notification for fresh election and set in motion the election process. ''It will take at least two months to complete the process,'' the sources added.

The Corporation is going for fresh election in 99 wards, following a split verdict given by Madras High Court on a batch of petitions, seeking repoll on the ground that the October last elections were marred by large-scale violence.

In the split verdict, one judge dismissed the petitions, while another judge ordered repolling in 99 wards. Following the court's order, DMK President and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, yesterday, had directed the councillors of DMK and its allies to resign from their seats and pave way for fresh election.

UNI