NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Saturday slapped notice on the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for using a large number of vehicles during the campaign for the Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu.

In view of the violation of standing instructions, the Commission asked both parties to give their explanation by 5 p.m. (Saturday).

The Commission, in its notice to AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa, said that during her visit to Krishnagiri on May 1 and 2, she used 80 vehicles. As per the standing instructions, not more than three vehicles were allowed in a convoy used for campaigning by the candidate, in addition to security vehicles if permitted by authorities.

In its notice to DMK general secretary K. Anbazhagan, the Commission noted that during Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran's visit to Krishnagiri on May 3, approximately 34 vehicles were used.

Both parties did not take permission for using so many vehicles for the campaign, nor did all vehicles have permits exhibited on the windscreens as prescribed by the Commission.

In another notice to Ms. Jayalalithaa, the Commission said that during her visit to Park Town in Chennai on May 3, a large number of buntings, flags and posters, in addition to a large number of vehicles, were in the convoy in violation of the instructions. Government vehicles with beacon lights were also in the convoy. The AIADMK has been asked to give its reply before 10 p.m. on Sunday.

In yet another communication, the Commission expressed its displeasure to both the DMK and the Congress for violating the model code of conduct by using a large number of vehicles during the April 25 joint meeting/campaign on the Island grounds in the Harbour constituency in Chennai. Congress president Sonia Gandhi participated in the campaign.

The Commission issued notices seeking an explanation from the DMK, the Congress, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India for using 228 vehicles during the rally.

DMK, Congress reply

While the DMK replied that the vehicles did not form part of the convoy but were brought by cadres of the alliance parties to attend the meeting, the Congress said individuals and groups used vehicles over which it did not have any control.

The PMK said it used only two vehicles for transporting its Union Ministers. The CPI said the meeting was organised by the Congress and its leaders participated. The CPI (M) said neither the party organised the meeting nor its leaders attended.

Expressing its displeasure at the reply, the Commission said it went through the explanation furnished by the Congress and the DMK and "is of the view that the spirit of model code of conduct has not been observed."

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