Madurai: Expressing concern over incidents of violence and various violations of model code in the campaign for the Jan 9 bypoll to Tirumangalam assembly constituency, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta today said he would sent a report to the Election Commission.

Talking to newsmen after discussing the arrangements for a free and fair poll, he warned that democracy would be in jeopardy if all those involved in the conduct of election and campaign did not stick to the rules.

"The happenings in Tirumangalam have brought stigma to the election process and those involved in it, especially after the EC held the polls in a peaceful and smooth manner in states like Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Referring to the incidents, including attacks, violation of model code of conduct, distribution of money, intimidation, unauthorised use of vehicles, that had been brought to his notice, Gupta said he would send a report to the EC tonight.

"They have asked for a report containing details about my assessment, the ground situation, the measures required. I will send it tonight," he said.

He said a Deputy Election Commissioner would be visiting the constituency on January 2. Besides, one more Election observer would also be deputed.

The officials had been asked to seal the wedding halls if they had been misused for campaign,feeding etc.

The main contenders in the poll, DMK and the AIADMK, have been trading charges of use of money power and violence. In a memorandum to the election observer, AIADMK alleged that nine incidents of attack on their men took place on Saturday and most of the incidents took place in the presence of Police.

DMK also gave a memorandum alleging AIADMK men distributed money to voters and threatened its workers.
Source : PTI