Polling in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur constituency deferred from May 16 to 23

Following its observer's report regarding seizure of cash and evidence of large scale distribution of money to the voters, the Election Commission (EC) on Sunday directed to defer the polling of Thanjavur assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu from May 16 to May 23.

"The poll in the constituency shall now be held on 23rd May, 2016 (Monday), instead of 16th May, 2016, and the counting of votes shall take place at 08.00 a.m. on 25th May, 2016 (Wednesday), instead of 19th May, 2016, as scheduled earlier," the EC directed.

"The vitiating effect of the money power created by the distribution of money and gift items to the electors of the constituency loses its intensity and a more congenial atmosphere conducive to the conduct of free and fair election is created," the EC observed.

Earlier, the EC had postponed the polling in the Aravakurichi Assembly Constituency in Tamil Nadu on from May16 to 23 in the wake of the distribution of money and gift items to the electors of the constituency.