CPI alleges malpractice in TN bypolls; demands EC enquiry

Alleging "large-scale booth capturing" and "rigging" by the J Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK during the recent bye-election to R K Nagar Assembly segment in Chennai, CPI today demanded that Election Commission conduct an enquiry into the matter "without further delay".
The CPI also alleged that the ruling party "distributed money and liquor" during the election, which the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister won with a margin of over 1.5 lakh votes.
Jayalalithaa trounced her nearest rival and CPI candidate C Mahendran, who forfeited his deposit like other candidates, who were in the fray.
"On the polling day, large-scale booth capturing and rigging took place to ensure record victory for Jayalalithaa. Hence CPI demands a full-fledged enquiry on these malpractices and verification of all videotapes from cameras installed in all booths.

"The CEC should order an enquiry without further delay so that democratic norms are not subverted in the state," the party said in a statement.
The party also alleged that the state election commissioner "did not act" against the malpractices despite its complaint and claimed all 28 state ministers, AIADMK MPs and MLAs and 15 mayors along with the ruling party cadres permanently camped in the constituency during poll period.
"The state election commissioner did not act against this despite lodging compliant. Ruling party cadres moved freely and distributed money and liquor to influence the voters," it said.