EC cancels RK Nagar by-polls; AIADMK, BJP welcome move

The decision came after Income Tax raids in Chennai found that money was distributed to voters

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Monday welcomed the Election Commission's (EC) move of cancelling the by-elections of Chennai's RK Nagar constituency and said that the poll panel has proved that democracy is alive in the nation.

"I thank the Election Commission for reacting to my letter which I have given as a complaint on this issue day before yesterday. This election is not being handled in a free and fair manner that's why the Commission had to intervene. Constitutionally it has been proved that our democracy is alive by this decision," expelled AIADMK MP Sasikala Pushpa said.

She further said that the decision has proved that mafia and money power is involved in this by-election.

"I would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the right decision at the right time by making Income Tax raid on the corrupted people and exposing their malpractices. We will get justice through the Election Commission," she added.

She also added that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) enquiry needs to be taken so that the truth will come out.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Tamilisai Soundararajan also supported the Election Commission's verdict and said the state needs corruption-free politics.

"The Election Commission should conduct the elections only if they assure a free and fair election. If they are unable to do so then let them cancel the elections," she said.

She added that the election is a neutral and democratic process therefore it should be carried out in that manner only.

"Investigation should be expanded and probed in much deeper way. We want a corrupt free politics in Tamil Nadu," Soundararajan asserted.

By-elections in Chennai's R.K. Nagar constituency, to be held on Wednesday, have been cancelled by the Election Commission a day after cash-for-votes allegations surfaced.

The decision came after Income Tax raids in Chennai found money was distributed to voters.

The by-elections in RK Nagar became necessary after the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who represented it for two terms. Stakes for the by-polls were very high as the results would have been a verdict of sorts in the war between the two rival factions of the ruling AIADMK.