The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Observer takes district administration to task

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, May 07, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Observer takes district administration to task

Staff Reporter

Displeased with Collectorate over removal of banners, festoons

KANCHEEPURAM: : Cars used by the former Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Minister, Suresh Rajan, and former DMK MP Parasuraman for electioneering were seized during surprise checks by the special observer, K.J. Rao in the Kancheepuram constituency on Friday.

Six cooks brought from Villupuram reportedly by former DMK Minister K. Ponmudi for preparing food for party cadres accommodated in a school at Pillayarpalayam were handed over to Siva Kanchi police for interrogation by the special observer.

Intercepts procession

Mr. Rao, who went round the constituency this morning, intercepted the election campaign procession of AIADMK candidate Mythili on Mettu Street but allowed them to proceed after verifying the election pass and other documents. He, however, ordered the seizure of a vehicle fitted with an AIADMK flag and carrying wood frames for erecting a cut out of Ms. Jayalalithaa at Vellore.

He ordered the removal of several banners and festoons of both the ruling and opposition coalition parties in the town. He expressed displeasure over the performance district administration in regarding the removal of hoardings and other decorative material along the route the Chief Minister canvassed for her party candidate. He had issues directions on the issue on April 4.

Later, talking to reporters, Mr. Rao said that both the parties were violating the code of conduct and that he would report it to the Election Commission of India.

Earlier, the AIADMK presented a petition to Mr.Rao alleging that Mr. Ponmudi had engaged around 500 anti-social elements from Villupuram and had stationed them in a school at Pillayarpalayam for casting bogus-votes and intimidating voters who supported the AIADMK.

Flag march

The Central Industrial Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force today conducted a flag march through the main streets in the town to instil confidence among voters.

PMK campaign

Meanwhile, the Pattali Makkal Katchi founder, S. Ramadoss continued his campaign for the second consecutive day canvassing for the Democratic Progressive Alliance candidate, P.M. Kumar.

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