Not possible to change election schedule: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has advised political parties in Tamil Nadu to stick to the poll schedule announced by the EC as it was arrived at after taking into account the situation in all States. File photo

Even as many political parties expressed reservations over the Election Commission's decision to hold Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu on April 13, Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi said on Friday, “We [EC] feel it is not possible to change the poll schedule.”

Talking to The Hindu here, Mr. Quraishi said that the schedule was fixed after considering all facts including deployment and movement of Central security forces. “We have taken every possibility into account... we have also taken into account the other States that are going to the polls. I think the poll schedule is appropriate.”

When it was pointed out that political parties were complaining that the poll campaign could disturb examination schedule and preparations of students, Mr. Quraishi said the Commission had already given instructions banning use of loudspeakers within a 200-metre radius of schools/educational institutions. It was requesting candidates and parties to reduce the volume of loudspeakers near such places during campaign.