Largescale bribing of voters: EC to consider deferring bypoll

Madurai, June 19 (UNI) The Election Commission will consider the demand for deferring the June 26 byelection to the Tamil Nadu Assembly from Madurai West constituency following allegations of large scale flow of cash and bribing of voters, State Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta said today.

A report on the situation in the constituency and the demand made by some candidates in the fray for postponing the poll would be submitted to the EC for further action, he told mediapersons here after prolonged discussions with the officials and representatives of parties.

To a question as to whether postponement was a possibility, given the extent and seriousness of cash distribution, Mr Gupta said it was for the EC to consider and take a decision. There was no impediment on the EC from taking any corrective and remedial step, he said, admitting cash inducement was a cognisable offence both under the Representation of People Act and the IPC.

''I am neither disagreeing nor disputing the charge of bribing, but details and evidence are welcome. We have taken note of them and people should come forward,'' he maintained. Allegations of cash-for-vote and intimidation of the electorate as well as party workers were made by the candidates in the fray and representatives of parties, the CEO disclosed.

UNI