Window to file nomination papers opens
CHENNAI: Elaborate arrangements are being made in RK Nagar Assembly constituency for the December 21 bypoll, as filing of nomination papers begins on Monday. The last date for filing papers is December 4 and scrutiny will be held the next day when the list of eligible candidates will be released.
December 7 is the last date for withdrawing nominations. The by-election has been necessitated due to the death of the then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
The poll authorities have imposed restrictions on the number of persons accompanying the candidates for filing nominations and the number of vehicles to be allowed near the office of the Returning Officer (RO) - zonal office of Greater Chennai Corporation at Tondiarpet.
Police have also thrown a security blanket ahead of filing of nomination papers, which would be accepted between 11 am and 3 pm, to prevent supporters of candidates thronging the venue. So far, only DMK has announced its candidate, Maruthu Ganesh, for the poll.
The EC has nominated Immanuel K Muivah, an IPS officer in the rank of DIG, as the Observer for law and order in RK Nagar.
Law and order Observer is IPS officer with DIG rank
The Election Commission has nominated Immanuel K Muivah, an IPS officer in the rank of DIG, as the Observer for law and order in RK Nagar. The officer belonging to Manipur cadre, landed in Chennai to take up the assignment. Other observers are yet to be appointed by the EC, a senior official said.
MDMK to decide whether to enter fray on Dec 3
MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Sunday said, “Our party’s high-level committee is going to meet on December 3. We will discuss the bypoll and arrive at a decision on whether to contest in it.” However, the MDMK is not likely to enter the fray as it had boycotted the polls in April before it was cancelled.
BJP might announce decision in a day or two
BJP is expected to announce its decision on contesting the bypoll in a day or two. Sources said the party would not shy away from the polls. However, BJP State president Tamilisai Soundararajan said, “Our party high command will take a decision whether to contest the election in RK Nagar or not.”