Bypoll: After plaint against George, DMK wants audit trail

The seat, represented by the late AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa, is all set to witness a keen contest. “Based on recent incidents in Koovathur, violence in Assembly and violence on Jallikattu issue, it is evident that he is supporting Sasikala with an ambition to become DGP, the position which is vacant,” Rajya Sabha MP and DMK leader RS Bharathi who filed the plea before the EC. 

He added, “We want the EC to transfer the Commissioner of Police George for smooth conduct of the bypoll.” 

The DMK delegation also requested for transfer of Returning Officer of R K Nagar constituency. “Despite there being several officers, the same RO who was deputed during last assembly elections has been appointed for the bypoll scheduled next month. The RO did not take any steps even when several complaints on malpractice during last elections were submitted,” Bharathi said. 

Besides, the delegation, which included MPs Tiruchi Siva and TKS Elangovan, also requested for the use of VVPAT system for the polls. “VVPAT system should be introduced on the lines of Goa and Manipur polls to ensure fair elections,” Bharathi said. 

Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) or verified paper record (VPR) is a method of providing feedback to voters using a ballotless voting system.

Meanwhile, asserting that there was no split in the party, AIADMK leader from Sasikala camp M Thambidurai on Thursday requested the Election Commission “not to entertain” the dissenting cadres, who have staked claim to AIADMK symbol and sought fresh election to the general secretary’s post.'

The Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker, who met the Election Commission along with a delegation of AIADMK leaders, said that in a democratic system, people are free to raise various issues but not all of them can be considered. 

“There is no split in the party. A democratic system allows people to raise several issues and all those cannot be entertained. We are going to face the RK Nagar bypoll with cooperation from all party MPs and MLAs,” said Thambidurai. Yesterday, the rival faction, led by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, had met Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi and staked claim to the AIADMK’s symbol ahead of the upcoming by-poll to R K Nagar constituency in Chennai, which was represented by J Jayalalithaa. 

Thambidurai also said, “We have requested the election commission to not entertain issues raised by dissenting groups.” 

Panneerselvam had demanded that the poll panel order fresh election for AIADMK general secretary’s post, which was currently occupied V K Sasikala, alleging she was elevated to the position in violation of the norms. 

She is serving the remainder of her prison term after her conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court.