Coimbatore: The state Election Commission has received over 3000 complaints of Model Code violation in Tamil Nadu and efforts are on to file maximum chargesheets before May 16, state Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar said on Tuesday.
Of over 3000 various types of cases received, chargesheets for 1,000 to 1,200 were being readied and would be filed in court before May 16, Kumar said. Efforts are on to file maximum number of cases in court over model code violation during the LS polls before declaration of results on May 16, he added.
Asked about the issue of restrictions imposed in calculation of poll expenses raised by AIADMK, Kumar said that election Commission has so far not received any complaints from AIADMK on this issue.
"We have not received any complaint so far. I am not aware of any such case registered by that party," he said. Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa had during her election campaign deplored the restrictions imposed in calculation of poll expenses and declared that her party would move the court, challenging the norms.
She had come down heavily on EC's method of calculating expenses of election rallies and disapproved debiting expenses of rallies organised by the party to the candidate in the event of he or she being introduced from the dais.
To this, EC had replied that it is following guidelines set out in the Supreme Court order while calculating poll expenses of candidates and political outfits across the country. On criticism from most parties on clamping of prohibitory orders prior to polling day on April 24, as police allegedly failed to act against the ruling party's 'illegal' activities, he said it was due to this the polls were held peacefully.
Moreover, authorities had seized more than Rs 70 lakh meant for distribution among voters, he pointed out. Kumar said candidates would be given 30 days to submit the list of expenses and if any irregularities were found, they would be disqualified from contesting for three years. On charges over delay in sealing EVMs just after the stipulated time, he said there was delay at some booths due to technical problem, but no specific complaints of malpractices.
On demand for re-polling in 90 booths in Palladam and Sulur in Coimbatore constituency, which registered more than 84 per cent polling, he said it would be done only if there were any malpractice or booth capturing. High percentage of polling did not attract re-polling norms.
When told many areas in Tamil Nadu witnessed poll boycott, he said EC was concerned if they were protesting against the proceedings. It was not responsible and could not interfere if voters were unhappy over supply of water, power or basic amenities.
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