Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

Gopalaswami justifies strict action by EC

CHENNAI: Strict action by the Election Commission (EC) will disappoint some political parties and for this the Commission is not responsible, said N. Gopalaswami, former Chief Election Commissioner, here on Monday.

Talking to reporters after launching a DVD and a campaign titled ‘Clean and fair elections', Mr. Gopalaswami said that distribution of money to voters to the extent it was being done in Tamil Nadu was not happening in other States. So, the EC had to initiate severe action against violators, which would disappoint political parties.

Amudha, Additional Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu, said those who did not want to vote for anyone could use the 49 ‘0' option. It would be recorded in the 17-A register. Confidentiality would be maintained for those opting for this provision. Speaking at the programme, N. Vittal, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner, said that the youth had the power to make change.

On the occasion a book, ‘Guide for political parties and candidates for elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies', authored by Naresh Gupta, former Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu, was released.

Mr. Gupta said that the book would be a very useful reference material for politicians, research scholars and those interested in elections. The Tamil translation of the book would be released soon.

Actor M. Nasser said that voting was an important duty. Due to various attractions the present day youth get easily diverted. They should discuss about elections and ask their friends to vote without fail. Abirami Ramanathan, president, Tamil Nadu Theatre Owner's Federation, said that if campaign material is given to him in the Cube Format, steps would be taken to screen the awareness film.

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