DMDK candidates intimidated by DMK: Vijayakanth

Chennai, Feb 7 (UNI) Actor-politician and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder Vijayakanth today charged that DMDK candidates for the February 18 repoll to Chennai Corporation wards were being intimidated and nominations were being rejected without valid reason.

Addressing a press meet here, he said the party had decided to contest the by poll hoping they would be held in a free and fair manner.

But the ruling DMK had started committing atrocities against the Opposition, he alleged.

The government had opted for a repoll in deference to a Madras High Court verdict and had assured violence-free polls.

The State Election Commission had appointed observers to ensure free and fair polls. However, the nominations of his party candidates were being rejected without valid reason, he claimed.

They were not only being intimidated to withdraw from the contest but also being offered huge sums. Besides, some candidates were threatened at knife point to withdraw their nominations, he said.

Mr Vijayakanth maintained the DMDK would not be cowed down by such intimidation. They would approach the court once again on the alleged atrocities. Today even the judiciary was intimidated by the ruling DMK, he claimed.

To a question, he said the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu had deteriorated and the party would create awareness among the people on the ruling party's alleged atrocities.

UNI