The Hindu : Front Page : “Vaiko speech issue not being considered by EC”

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 10, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

“Vaiko speech issue not being considered by EC”

J. Balaji

It is a law and order matter, says official

Notice to APCC president
Sikkim official censured

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) has said the issue of the warning given by MDMK general secretary Vaiko that Tamil Nadu would witness a bloodbath if something happens to LTTE chief Velupillai Prabakaran “is not before the consideration of the Commission.”

The MDMK leader made the remarks while speaking at a meeting in Chennai on Wednesday.

“That is a law and order issue, and the State government will take action,” Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) J.P. Prakash told journalists here while answering a question what action the Commission intended to take against Mr. Vaiko.

Asked whether the EC apprehended trouble during the polls in Tamil Nadu in view of the “violent” speech of Mr. Vaiko, he said the Commission had not discussed the issue.

The DEC said notice had been served on Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president D. Srinivas for his alleged “vitriolic” speech in support of Muslims in Nizamabad recently. He was asked to reply by 5 p.m. on Saturday.

According to the complaint lodged by the BJP, Mr. Srinivas had warned that he would chop off the heads and fingers of those who tried to harm Muslims.

Mr. Prakash said the EC had “censured” the Sikkim government Information Secretary for failing to prevent the release of an advertisement containing the achievements of the State government in violation of the model code of conduct.

The Chief Secretary was asked to be careful to ensure such that mistakes did not recur. Explanations were sought from the Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank and the Financial Commissioner of the Jammu and Kashmir government for “unilaterally” announcing the enhancement of the retirement age of the bank’s employees from 58 to 60 without getting the Commission’s approval.

The officials were asked to reply by 3 p.m. on Friday.

The EC had also rolled back the decision on the retirement age, Mr. Prakash said.

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

Front Page