EC bars 4 from poll fray for 3 years

Puducherry

The EC order issued on November 23 has been published by the Puducherry Election Department in the Union Territory Gazette. P Sivakumar, A Haridass and G Sathiyanandam of the Naam Tamilar Katchi and VV Shaj Kumar of Pattali Makkal Katchi, who unsuccessfully contested the polls held here last year, were disqualified by the Election Commission, the order said. They have been disqualified for failure to submit the accounts of their poll expenses as required by the Representation of the People Act 1951. It also said these candidates have not furnished any explanation for the failure to lodge the audited accounts even after due notice. The Commission is satisfied that “they have no good reason or justification for the failure” and declared them to be disqualified for being chosen as a Member of either the House of Parliament or Legislative Assembly or Council of a State or Union Territory for a period of three years.