Governor recommends polls in Aravakurichi, Thanjavur before June 1

Governor K. Rosaiah on Thursday sent a communication to the Chief Election Commissioner recommending that the polls for the Aravakurichi and Thanjavur Assembly constituencies be held as early as possible, preferably before June 1.

An official release from the Raj Bhavan stated that the decision of the Governor followed a meeting held with the Chief Electoral Officer on May 23 over representations received from AIADMK candidates contesting in these constituencies. The candidates had in their representations alleged that the polls in these two constituencies were deferred by the Election Commission of India without any authority of law and without the consent of the Governor, it stated. The alleged corrupt practices relied on by the Commission could be eventually tested before a court of law, the candidates are said to have contended. The polls for Aravakurichi and Thanjavur, originally scheduled for May 16 along with other constituencies, were deferred to May 23 and then to June 13.