The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : No election is casual for the parties

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 22, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

No election is casual for the parties

V. Jayanth

NEWSANALYSIS The results of the civic by-polls have good tidings for both sides with the AIADMK focussing on urban pockets and the DMK taking heart in the court's comments

A picture of competition: Workers drawing party symbols at Kancheepuram, where an Assembly by-election is to be held. Photo: A. Muralidharan

CHENNAI: : Normally, elections to "casual vacancies" in local bodies do not excite political parties. Not so this year. Now every election and its outcome may mean something to the two main political formations in the State. Wednesday's results of the byelections to wards and posts in the local bodies had their share of good and bad tidings for the rivals.

For the ruling All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), it was a "celebration time", as it won a majority of the seats. The AIADMK, which seems to be focussing on urban centres, captured the seats not only in Chennai but also in Madurai and Tiruchi.

The opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has tried to hold on to its strongholds especially in the northern districts. But it took heart at the manner in which the poll was conducted and the "clashes" it generated, especially in Chennai. The observations by the Madras High Court about Ministers participating in road rokos provided it more comfort.

The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder, S. Ramadoss, was quick to demand the dismissal of the Ministers who took part in the protest.

But the more worrisome message from this round of election are violence, clashes and alleged attempts to rig the polls.

Complaints galore

There were complaints galore of "voters" from outside the wards being brought in to exercise their franchise. Poll analysts found evidence of this problem both in the high percentage of voting and in the denial of votes to registered voters in those wards. From the beginning the AIADMK organisers and cadres were making extra efforts in Chennai and Tiruchi. The "mobilisation" was visible.

The police too were deployed in large numbers in Chennai, particularly in the two wards, which went to the polls. Yet there were incidents of violence, traffic obstruction and chaos on the roads.

Asked about the participation of Ministers in the protests, a senior AIADMK functionary said, "It was spontaneous. There was no question of Government in this. They are party executives first. Finance Minister Ponnaiyan is the council chairman of the AIADMK presidium and the others are basically legislators. How can they not participate in the protest when they witness such scenes in front of polling stations?"

To the DMK losing the two wards in Chennai made no difference.

The party chief, M. Karunanidhi, went to town with the High Court's remarks and hoped that "democracy" would block the road of violence the ruling party was taking to achieve victory.

The May 14 Assembly byelections may provide a clearer indication of the course the two main parties will take in the battle royal for the Assembly elections — whenever they are held.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu

News Update

Stories in this Section

No election is casual for the parties

Bench refuses to direct varsity to postpone exams

Chennai may become a python-breeding hub

Hospital turns away HIV-positive woman

Improved shelters provide respite to tsunami victims

PSUs also agree to supply diesel at concessional rates

DPI names candidates for by-polls

Wealth case progress hinges on defence plea disposal

BJP ready to work with Vijaykanth

Writ against `removal' of Shiva shrine

`Lean manufacturing process applies to the service sector too'

Summer specials

Court directive on college admission