Aravakurichy poll postponement spurs misgivings

Modakurichi poll went down the history of elections two decades ago with a 1000-plus candidates, but Aravakurichy is creating a record this time and for  the wrong reasons. 

Congress spokesperson S Jothimani who hails from Aravakurichy told DT Next that though the move would reinforce the faith of people in democracy and electoral politics, it would have been better if the ECI had ordered a thorough inquiry into the issue. 

“It is unfortunate that this segment is now known at the national level for such reasons (cash for vote),” she said. There are also apprehensions that the May 19 general election results will influence the May 23 election and sway the mood of the electorate. 

CPM state secretary G Ramakrishnan, in a representation to ECI, said “the voting pattern on May 23 will be clouded by the results of May 19, providing undue advantage to the winner of the 2016 election.” 

Though he appreciated the move of ECI, he requested the commission to conduct the Aravakurichy election on May 17 or 18 in the interest of free and fair polls. 

N Gopalaswami, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, said that this was a good beginning and added that after May 16 polls, adequate security forces and flying squads could be mobilised at Aravakurichy to ensure a fair poll.