RK Nagar bypoll: Vishal loses fight as his ‘proposers’ backtrack

On Thursday, even as Vishal’s supporters tried in vain to locate the two ‘proposers’ to present them before the Returning Officer to prove that they had backtracked “under coercion” from rival parties, the two, Sumathy and Deepan, turned up at the RO’s office and had their statements recorded.

Returning Officer K Veluchamy, in his proceedings on Thursday, stated that Deepan, one of the proposers appeared before him in the presence of Election General Observers.

“After re-enquiry in an independent manner, I conclude that the candidature of Vishal Krishna had not been proposed by 10 candidates because the two ‘proposers’ who appeared before me, Deepan and Sumathy, have reiterated their stand that they had not proposed the name of Vishal Krishna and hence based on merits, the representation of Vishal Krishna cannot be considered favourably,” the orders of Veluchamy stated.

Sources from the Election Commission said that the actor’s petition presented on Wednesday seeking reconsideration of the nomination was processed, and the actor was “referred” to approach the RO on Thursday.

After meeting with the RO on Wednesday, Vishal had said the official observed that he had announced the acceptance of his candidature “due to pressure” exerted by the actor and his agents.

“Veluchamy says we threatened him when the entire process of him announcing my candidature through the public address system was enough proof of what transpired on that day. It was odd,” Vishal said.