TN parties seek extension of campaign timings

CHENNAI: Political parties in Tamil Nadu on Friday requested the Election Commission to extend the campaign timings by one hour in rural and urban areas in view of the assembly Polls scheduled for April 13.

After taking part in their first meeting with the Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar here tonight, DMK representative and State Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy told reporters that the EC has been requested to extend the campaign timings upto 11 pm.

Asked about DMK president and Chief Minister M Karunaidhi criticising the EC for announcing the elections at short notice, he said "we agree for it (poll date).." Congress senior leader Peter Alphonse appealed to the EC to conduct the polls in a free and fair manner.

"The Election Commission did not ask the parties' (opinion) on fixing the date for the elections... But we request them to conduct it in a free and fair manner," he said.

BJP representative Tamizhisai Soundarajan urged the Election Commission to deal with an iron hand distribution of money during polls. She said BJP would continue to request the Election Commission on postponing the polls taking into account SSLC exams and Tamil New Year festivities on April 14.

CPI-M leader K Balakrishnan also sought postponement of the polls.

He appealed to the EC to take steps with regard to rain-affected people in interior districts of Tamil Nadu who had lost their voter ID cards.

"Over 30 lakh voters have either lost their existing voter ID cards or damaged them in the rains. Election Commission should take some alternate steps for them," he said.

AIADMK was represented by senior leader Pollachi Jayaraman and Balaganga but they did not talk to the media.

The EC had called a meeting of the recognised parties to discuss the schedule.

Tamil Nadu along with neighbouring Kerala and Puducherry goes to the polls on April 13.