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DMK says Nanguneri bye-poll EVMs moved without their knowledge, complains to ECI

DMK MP and organisation secretary RS Bharathi has complained to the Election Commission of India stating that 30 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) meant for the Nanguneri assembly bye-polls were moved without informing the DMK. The DMK leader stated that this was in violation of Election Commission rules and pointed out that this could affect the free and fair conduction of the elections.

In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner and the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu, the MP has written. “30 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which were kept for bye-election at Nanguneri Taluk Office were suddenly shifted from Nanguneri Taluk Office to Tirunelveli Collectorate for unknown reasons, during mid-night of 12.10.2019 by a vehicle bearing Regn. No. TN 72 AZ 7345.” He pointed out that this was done without informing the DMK.

“There was no intimation was given by any official to our political party or to the candidate before shifting of EVMs, which is totally in violation of the mandatory instructions issued by the Election Commission of India stipulating the procedure for shifting of EVMs during election period,” says the MP. “Such shifting of EVMs without any intimation to political parties raises suspicion over the activities of the officials. Such practice shall be deprecated to ensure free and fair election.”

On September 21, the Election Commission has announced that bye-polls in Nanguneri and Vikravandi constituencies in Tamil Nadu will be conducted on October 21. Bye-elections in Nanguneri Assembly constituency are being held as the seat fell vacant after sitting MLA H Vasanthakumar of the Congress party was elected as MP from the Kanyakumari constituency. In Vikravandi, bye-elections are being held due to the death DMK MLA K Radhamani.  

In Nanguneri, Reddiarpatti V Narayanan has been chosen as the contestant from the AIADMK. He is the Tirunelveli rural district MGR Mandram joint secretary. The DMK alliance meanwhile will be fielding realtor and Kancheepuram District Congress Committee president Ruby Manoharan for the bypoll to the Nanguneri Assembly constituency.

Source: The News Minute