CHENNAI: As nominations opened for the by-elections to the Kancheepuram and Gummidipoondi Assembly constituencies, the State Government is expected to shift the Kancheepuram District Superintendent of Police, Prem Kumar, during the period of the elections.

Though there is a ban on the transfer of any official connected with the conduct of the elections, the Government has sought the permission of the Election Commission to transfer Mr. Prem Kumar. And this is likely to be granted.

`Request received'

Sources in the Election Commission in New Delhi said: "We have received a communication from the State and will be issuing suitable instructions. Transfers, where necessary, will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the actual need and the totality of the circumstances."

In the case of the Kancheepuram Superintendent of Police, a senior EC official explained: "He has come under adverse notice during the Parliamentary election. As such, if the State Government itself seeks his transfer during the run up to the poll, the Commission may have no objection. In this case, the State may have pre-empted any suo motu action by the Commission."

Only one nomination was filed on Monday, with Dr. K. Pathmarajan, an Independent, submitting his papers in Kancheepuram. The last date for filing of nominations is April 25. The Opposition Democratic Progressive Alliance leaders are meeting here on Tuesday morning to finalise their strategy and decide on who will contest the two seats.

An All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam press release said 42 party members had sought the nomination for the Kancheepuram constituency and 41 for Gummidipoondi. Monday was the last date for submitting applications to the party office. Party sources said relatives of both the deceased candidates had sought the seats too.

Code of conduct

Elaborating on the guidelines under the code of conduct, the Chief Electoral Officer here noted that ministers and authorities could shall not announce any financial grants in any form, nor lay any foundation stones. No promises for the on construction of roads, provision of drinking water or facilities could can be made. No fresh lease of funds under the Local Area Development Fund by MPs could shall be made in any part of the country where elections were are in progress.

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