EC cancels Thiruvarur Assembly by-poll citing Gaja aftermath

by-election to Thiruvarur Assembly constituency which was slated for January 28 has been cancelled by Election Commission at request of Tamil Nu government and district ministration (Thiruvarur) who are pre-occupied with relief and rehabilitation after cyclone 'Gaja'.

Commission's communication in this regard was sent to Tamil Nu Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahu on January 6 night.

As a consequence of cancellation of notification, actions and steps taken by Returning Officer for 168-Thiruvarur Assembly constituency were "declared null and void."

Following announcement of notification on December 31 for by-election, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) h announced ir candidates while All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIMK) was scheduled to announce its candidate on Monday.

Political parties h asked Commission not to conduct by-polls now since restoration and rehabilitation works are going on Thiruvarur, which was one of districts worst affected by cyclone 'Gaja'. A total of 12 districts in state were affected by cyclone.

RE | Election Commission Abdicated Responsibility: Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Bal

Communist Party of India's (CPI) national secretary D Raja gave a petition to Commission to defer by-election since relief works are underway in Thiruvarur. Two petitions were also filed regarding before Supreme Court. Following which Election Commission sought a report from Tamil Nu CEO on 'situation' prevailing in Thiruvarur constituency.

In turn, CEO h sought a report from Thiruvarur District Collector and District Election Officer convened an all party meeting on Saturday. In meeting, representatives of AIMK, DMK, Congress and CPM have urged Election Commission to defer by-election. Based on this, Tamil Nu CEO has sent a report to Election Commission of India on Saturday evening.

A vacancy arose in State Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nu from 168-Thiruvarur Assembly Constituency with effect from August 7, 2018, after demise of M Karunanidhi.

As per section 151A of Representation of People Act 1951, by-election to fill vacancy is required to be held within a period of six months, i.e. by February 6, 2019.

RE | Election Commission Announces Poll Schedule For Mhya Presh, Mizoram, Rajasthan And Chhattisgarh. LIVE UPDATES Here