EC concerned about cash-for-vote practice in TN

Tired with the numerous allegations of cash-for-votes emerging from Tamil Nadu, the Election Commission has decided to blacklist 25 officials of the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service.

The blacklisted officials, who have violated their poll duties earlier, will not be enlisted for the ensuing Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

A decision will be taken on these 25 officers by the end of July when the state election commissioner sends a report.

The EC decided to take the step after receiving numerous complaints -- from political parties, NGOs, media organistaions -- about the distribution of money during election campaigns in Tamil Nadu.

The Election Commission has already conveyed its displeasure to the director general of police and the chief secretary of Tamil Nadu. Election Commissioner S Y Quarashi has also specifically mentioned the use of 'money power by one section of the ruling and opposition parties in Tamil Nadu."

Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla agreed with Quarashi's views that the collectors and superintendents of police should not play into the hands of the ruling party.