Voicing serious concern over the alleged presence of anti-social elements in the constituencies, the leaders of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Tuesday expressed apprehensions over a free and fair poll in the Union Territory.
Releasing handbills of the party’s election manifesto here at the party office in Reddiyarpalayam, AIADMK Election Wing Secretary and former Minister P. Kannan said, “We have serious doubts on whether the polls would be conducted in free and fair manner here as a number of anti-social elements have been camping in constituencies including mine.”
Mr. Kannan also claimed that it came to his notice that an unknown person armed with a lethal weapon was prowling around his office a few days back when he was away. A complaint had been lodged with the Grand Bazaar Police, he added.
V. Pugazhendhi, State secretary of the AIADMK in Karnataka, who is also in charge of the UT, said miscreant hurled stones when he was campaigning for Omsakthi Sekar two days ago.
A. Anbalagan, Deputy Leader of AIADMK Legislature Party, alleged that anti-social elements lodged in prisons have been operating through mobile phones and intimidating party workers to cast their votes in favour of the ruling party.
He also appealed to the Election Commission of India to take cognisance of the matter and take appropriate action.
Disputing the claim of Mr. Rangasamy, who had stated that Rajya Sabha seat was conceded to AIADMK out of gratitude, Mr. Kannan said he gave the seat only to avert the fall of the AINRC Government as eight or nine MLAs were ready to change sides on obtaining incentives from the opponents.
