AIADMK hopeful of poll to Vellore seat soon

The polls to the Vellore LS seat were countermanded following seizure of huge amount of cash, which was reportedly kept for distribution to voters, from those close to DMK candidate Kathir Anand. While the I-T department also gave a report against Kathir Anand, the Katpadi police registered a case against the DMK candidate.

While all candidates - except the DMK – in the fray sought disqualification of Kathir Anand and continuation of the poll process, the cancelled polls badly affected independents as the money spent on campaign has gone waste. AIADMKtop brass felt that an inordinate delay would work against NDAcandidate AC Shanmugam. “He has spent huge amount for thepolls and it will go to waste if the elections are delayed further” a party source felt.

District election officer and collector SA Raman said “once fresh dates are announced for polls the entire process will have to be started from the beginning, including calling for, filing, scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations.”

For DMK treasurer and Kathir’s father Duraimurugan, it is a question of prestige to put up a good fight and hence talk of changing the candidate may not be welcomed by him. However, sources in the DMK say that “if Kathir is disqualified – as everyone expects – then his wife Anandi will most likely be the replacement candidate. This will ensure that the candidate is from the family itself.”