DMK Candidate Kathir Anand, son of DMK Treasurer Durai Murugan was candidate in Vellore
Agencies / NEW DELHI
President Ram Nath Kovind today rescinded the Vellore parliamentary constituency polls in Tamil Nadu on the Election Commission’s recommendation, following a detailed report about abuse of money power to influence voters.
The Election Commission had recommended that the polls in Vellore be cancelled as it received a “highly damaging” report on abuse of money power in the constituency
“Accepting the recommendation of Election Commission of India dated April 14, 2019, the honourable President is pleased to rescind election to 8-Vellore Parliamentary Constituency Tamil Nadu to elect a member to Lok Sabha,” said ECI spokesperson Sheyphali Sharan.
A cash counting machine is being brought to a house belonging to a DMk cadre, near Pallikuppam in Katpadi on Monday. Huge cash haul at DMK cadre’s house, cement godown in Vellore
The poll panel may soon fix a fresh date for holding the election in the constituency based on ground reports.
The Commission had recommended that the polls be cancelled as it received a “highly damaging” report on abuse of money power in the constituency, submitted by the enforcement agencies. The issue pertained to the recent seizure of huge cash from the premises linked to a candidate and the subsequent findings by the Income-Tax Department.
Based on the Income-Tax Department’s findings, the police have also initiated legal action against those suspected to be involved.
While the DMK fielded party treasurer Durai Murugan’s son D.M. Kathir Anand, the AIADMK allowed its ally, the New Justice Party’s president A.C. Shanmugam to contest on the ‘Two Leaves’ symbol. Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) has nominated a former Minister K. Pandurangan. Makkal Needhi Maiam’s R. Suresh, and Naam Tamizhar Katchi’s S. Deepalakshmi are also in the fray.
The constituency comprises the town of Vellore and leather fronts of Ambur, Vaniyambadi and Gudiyatham, besides Anaicut and KV Kuppam.