THOOTHUKUDI: “The cash-for-votes allegation by the opposition parties is just a humbug as the elections are being conducted in a fair manner by the Election Commission (EC)”, said K V Thangkabalu, president, Tamil Nadu Congress party here on Saturday. He pointed out that the EC is an independent organisation and blaming the EC for poll losses is not good.
He exuded confidence that the DMK-led alliance in the State would emerge winner in this by-election as it had won in eight byelections conducted in the past four years.
“The achievements of the Central and State governments provide no room for the opposition parties to attack the ruling alliance,” he said.
When asked about the fear behind the proposed Fisheries Bill, he pinpointed that the Bill has not been implemented and added that it has to pass through series of stages before it is implemented. The Centre has assured that steps have been taken so that no part of the Bill will affect the fisherfolk. “Only after getting assent from everyone, the bill will be passed”, he added.