CPM ask TN Govt not to downplay poll irregularities

Chennai, July 16: Asserting there should not be any attempt to play down the ''irregularities'' in the recent cooperative polls annulled by the government, the Tamil Nadu unit of the CPI(M) reiterated its demand for free and fair elections by convening a meeting of parties recognised by the Election Commission.

Referring to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's remark there had been problems only in 25 out of 23,000 cooperative bodies in the first phase of elections and the issue was blown out of proportion by the media, CPI(M) State Secretary N Varadarajan said pointing that there had been widespread irregularities throughout the state during the polls held till July 11.

In as many as 10,000 cooperative societies, where the election of directors had been declared unanimous, the poll was unfair, he claimed in a statement.

The CPI (M) had been urging the government to ensure the cooperative elections were held in a fair and democratic manner, a point which was reiterated when the party leaders called on the Chief Minister on July four.

Since 'people belonging to the ruling DMK, in connivance with the officials, had indulged in irregularities in several areas,' the CPI (M) staged a state-wide protest demonstration on July ten, Mr Varadarajan alleged.

Several other leaders, including the CPI State Secretary D Pandian and PMK founder-leader S Ramadoss also alleged largescale irregularities during the polls, he pointed out.

Reiterating the charge with regard to the irregularities, he said in some places only the nomination papers filed by DMK men were received by the returning officers, who declared they were elected without being opposed.

Recalling the CPI (M) had already welcomed the government's decision to cancel the cooperative elections, he said the party had demanded re-poll not for issues such as reaching agreements or seat adjustments with parties.

UNI