PMK Demands External Observer for Vikravandi Bypoll

The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has asked the Election Commission to appoint an external IAS officer as the Returning Officer for the upcoming Vikravandi bypoll. The PMK alleges rule violations by the ruling DMK and requests additional observers for a fair election process.

The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) on Sunday urged the Election Commission to appoint an IAS officer from outside Tamil Nadu as the Returning Officer for the July 10 bypoll in Vikravandi Assembly constituency. Alleging rule violations by the ruling DMK and assault on PMK and AIADMK members, PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss called for the replacement of the current Returning Officer, M Chandrasekar, with an external IAS official to ensure fair elections.

The PMK president demanded the appointment of five observers and immediate action on complaints against DMK workers. Anbumani accused 'thousands' of DMK workers, including ministers and over 80 MLAs, of camping in Vikravandi and violating rules by using 'cars in thousands,' which he said should be seized. Instead, Villupuram district police and officials are allegedly providing protection.

An AIADMK office-bearer and a PMK local leader were reportedly assaulted by a DMK functionary and hospitalized, Anbumani alleged. The main contenders for the bypoll are DMK candidate Anniyur Siva alias A Sivashanmugam, PMK nominee C Anbumani, and Naam Tamilar Katchi's K Abinaya. The AIADMK and its ally DMDK have boycotted the election, while PMK is a part of the BJP-led NDA.

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