CHENNAI: The entire Opposition, including the AIADMK, CPI, CPM, PMK, BJP and BSP, on Wednesday demanded one-day polling for the 2011 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Besides, all parties urged the Election Commission to tighten rules for curbing money distribution during polling. The AIADMK and PMK demanded reverting to the ballot paper system or incorporating voter verifiable paper trail in electronic voting machines. Both parties were consistent in demanding the disqualification of any candidate who indulged in money distribution.
Representatives of recognised political parties — Congress, BJP, DMK, AIADMK, CPI, CPM, PMK, BSP and NCP — met Deputy Election Commissioner J P Prakash and legal advisor to EC, S K Mendiratta, at the Secretariat and shared their views on the forthcoming Assembly polls.
While the AIADMK asked the EC to curb money and muscle power of the ruling DMK during elections, Higher Education Minister K Ponmudi said his party (DMK) too wanted prevention of distribution of money. Asked about AIADMK charge on money distribution, Ponmudi retorted, “Aren’t they cash-rich?”
The AIADMK team, led by Deputy Leader of Opposition O Panneerselvam, submitted a 27-point charter of suggestions for implementation during the elections. Their key demands include dismissal of police officers who ‘help’ the ruling party during elections, banning distribution of prizes, donations from the date of notification of elections, constitution of a separate income tax cell in each district to verify charges regarding distribution of money to voters and inquiry into any deposit or withdrawal of money exceeding `5 lakh to or from bank accounts of the candidates, their relatives, close friends and their agents.
Ponmudi urged the EC to strengthen security for the Assembly polls, claiming that his party feared violence triggered by some Opposition parties as they were upset over the DMK’s trade union wing winning the transport trade union elections. Former Union minister R Velu (PMK) said the panel should appoint booth observers to prevent any malpractice. He wanted all digital banners, cut-outs, posters and wall writings to be banned for the polls.