DMK dubs RK Nagar bypoll a "farce"; CPI seeks probe

DMK today termed as a "farce", the RK Nagar bypoll, from where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa won by a huge margin, while CPI demanded a probe into the conduct of byelection here and appropriate action by the Election Commission.
Playing down AIADMK chief's victory, DMK treasurer M K Stalin said the entire by-election has clearly been a farce and was an example of the "breakdown" of all democratic systems.
He said several electoral violations were witnessed that had gone unreprimanded and unnoticed by the EC.
Ruling party workers forcefully entered polling booths to vote and money was distributed for votes. An independent, 'Traffic' Ramaswamy, was openly threatened by AIADMK and was also physically attacked, he alleged.

"I appeal to the Election Commission to maintain neutrality in the interest of democracy. DMK will fight any attempts to subvert democracy," he posted on a social networking website.
CPI senior leader C Mahendran who unsuccessfully contested against Jayalalithaa, said a transparent probe is needed into the alleged irregularities and violations.

"We demand a transparent probe into the bypoll processes and appropriate action based on it," he told PTI.
Alleging that there were several irregularities, he said election laws were violated by the ruling AIADMK.
"The AIADMK should not have committed these violations... let authorities do a probe, even examine these cameras (installed in polling stations)... Truth will come out and these will be lessons for the public too," he said.

Jayalalithaa today recorded an impressive victory in the bypoll with a margin of 1,50,722 votes, trouncing CPI rival C Mahendran who forfeited his deposit like other contestants.
The bypoll was necessitated following AIADMK's P Vetrivel vacating the seat in May, apparently to enable Jayalalithaa seek re-election.
She had to fulfil the constitutional requirement of getting elected as MLA within six months of becoming chief minister.