MADURAI
A few trade unions in Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) - Madurai have alleged favouritism by the government towards the trade union affiliated to the ruling party in the elections for Cooperative Thrift and Credit Society functioning in TNSTC Madurai.
The trade unions have alleged that elections scheduled have been postponed twice by citing ‘law and order problems’ without a proper justification.
Pointing out that elections for the executive committee of the society were originally scheduled in May, V. Pichai, a State-level functionary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions’ TNSTC wing, said that election was postponed after a few members of the trade union affiliated to the ruling party intentionally created a ruckus and vandalised the society’s office.
“A police case was registered in S.S. Colony station, following which the election was postponed indefinitely citing potential ‘law and order’ problems,” he said.
The election was later rescheduled for last week of August. I. Ayyanar, a candidate who had filed nominations for the elections, said that around 20 persons filed nominations on August 25, 2018, hoping that the elections would take place as per schedule.
However, the trade unionists, said that a notice was put up on August 27, 2018 that the elections had been postponed indefinitely as per a report submitted by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Thilagar Thidal range, Madurai city, that there could be potential law and order problems.
“When no untoward incidents had happened, such a decision was made arbitrarily with the ulterior motive of helping the ruling party since its affiliated association was not in a position to win the elections,” Mr. Pichai alleged.
“Even if there is a possibility of law and order issues, is it not the responsibility of police to ensure smooth conduct of the election as it is done elsewhere,” he asked.
Stating that representations to senior officials of the Cooperative Department and Tamil Nadu State Co-operative Societies Election Commission had not elicited any response, he said that associations, including CITU and Labour Progressive Federation, had decided to move the court.
Denying allegations of favouritism, a senior official from the Cooperative Department said that since some of the trade unions had decided to approach the court, action would be taken as per court’s directions.
