DMK leader M. Karunanidhi on Saturday said the ECI’s decision to rescind elections in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur was clear proof of the fact that the ruling party was capable of buying up the entire election process.
“The announcement of the EC shows that money distribution is taking place with impunity and the same has forced it to rescind the elections,” he said.
Mr. Karunanidhi said the incident had given an opportunity to the ECI to get a first-hand account of the ruling AIADMK’s designs to buy votes. The DMK would certainly enter the fray in these two constituencies. “The EC should ensure that elections are conducted in free and fair manner,” he added.
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PMK leader S. Ramadoss welcomed the decision of the Election Commission of India, but urged it to disqualify the candidates of the DMK and the AIADMK as they were facing charges of money distribution.
He said the decision had proved that the ECI was an independent body and a Governor of a State could not interfere with its functioning.
“It is not clear whether the ECI will invite fresh nominations for the two constituencies. In any case it should not allow the current candidates of the DMK and AIADMK to be fielded in the elections,” Dr. Ramadoss said.
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Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan said it was for the first time in the political history of India that an election had been postponed on charges of distribution of money to voters.
“The EC’s decision has proved our allegations correct. Instead of dealing only with these two constituencies, the EC should look into allegations of money distribution in other constituencies,” he said and demanded criminal action against the candidates in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur constituencies.
PMK demands disqualification of both DMK, AIADMK candidates; VCK calls for criminal action