Independents seethe over EC action

While the 11th hour action of Election Commission on Vellore Lok Sabha constituency triggered angry reactions from the DMK circles, the rival candidate reportedly upset over the decision left the region and returned to Chennai.

However, a majority of other candidates seethed over the poll panel’s move said “the EC should have penalised the DMK candidate Kathir Anand and not us.”

In a parallel development, AMMK candidate K Pandurangan reportedly held a meeting with party functionaries over the next course of action.

When contacted, DMK treasurer Duraimurugan summed up his party’s reaction in just three words by saying “It is a murder of democracy.”

On the other hand, independent candidates said they feel penalised for the wrongdoing of another contestant. “I had written to both the EC and the district election officer not to stop the polls, but to act only against DMK candidate Kadir Anand. Why are the rest being penalised for his fault? The EC should provide compensation for the money we have spent,” said Deepalakshmi. She said several of her friends who had come from outstation cities and abroad to Vellore for the election are disappointed.

Another independent candidate M K Kathiravan, a milk vendor, said, “I have borrowed huge sums for this election. By contesting and winning the polls I thought of helping the people of the district and those with me in the trade. But all my efforts have now gone waste.”

K Palani, a lawyer, blamed the BJP for the election commission’s decision and said, “If they had announced this soon after the Income Tax raids, it would have saved the government and other candidates a lot of money.” Endorsing the argument of Palani, AIADMK former MLA J Parandhaman said that the EC officials did not apply their mind. The Tuesday’s decision was much delayed and has put all other aspirants in trouble.

However, the AIADMK cadre appeared to be elated by the cancellation. “I feel it is good for us as the prospects Shanmugam was not that bright, especially in the minority-dominant areas,” a functionary said.

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) candidate P Suresh said, “Though I welcome the cancellation, I am sad that my long-term dream of becoming to serve the people by becoming an MP could not be realised. Besides, government money has also gone waste along with the massive efforts of all government officials, who were involved in the poll work.”