Salem MP alleging foul play by poll staff stages protest

After two days of request, the MP was given appointment to meet Salem District Election Observer Kamaraj on Friday morning. When the DMK functionaries led by the MP turned up at the tourist’s bungalow, the election observer is said to have left suddenly.

On knowing that the election observer is not available, the MP and the party functionaries headed to the Collector office and resorted to protest. He sat at the entrance of the Collector office condemning the election observer for refusing to meet them.

They also raised slogans that they would continue with their protest until the election observer gives them an audience. Then, police officials held talks and the MP were informed that the election observer has given appointment to hear their grievances.

Speaking to reporters, the MP raised suspicion that works are on to reject nominations filed by the DMK candidates. “We gave a petition already to the Collector suspecting foul play while accepting nominations of candidates. Even many election staff has declared to us openly that they were being pressurised to act in a partisan manner towards the ruling party,” he said.

The MP also levelled allegations that Magudanchavadi assistant returning officer is acting in support of the AIADMK. “His attitude has raised doubts that polls could not be conducted in a fair manner. We have decided to take up the issue with the Election Commission,”he added.