The Returning Officer of the Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency, K. Velusamy, who was at the centre of controversy over the rejection of nomination papers of actor Vishal, has been transferred by the Election Commission.
In his place, Praveen P. Nair, now Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women, has been posted, according to a communication sent by the EC to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rajesh Lakhoni on Friday.
The posting of Mr. Nair had been made on the basis of recommendation of the CEO. Following the controversy over Mr. Vishal’s rejection, political parties including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam sought the transfer of Mr. Velusamy.
Deepa Jayakumar, the niece of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, had also stirred another row, by claiming that the nomination papers submitted to the RO had been altered.
Mr Nair had also functioned as the RO earlier too during March-April for the R.K. Nagar constituency. But, the by-election did not take place then in view of allegations of bribery to voters.
