Jayalalithaa opposes re-poll in two polling stations

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Wednesday strongly protested the Election Commission's decision to hold a re-poll in two polling stations.

In a letter to the Election Commission, released to the media here, Jayalalithaa termed it as "most surprising" that the poll panel, after a gap of 12 days, suddenly ordered a re-poll in two polling stations of the state.

"You are aware that polling for all the 39 Lok Sabha seats of Tamil Nadu was completed April 24...," the letter stated. It added that there were no protests or complaints from any political parties or anyone else in respect of both the polling stations. "When this is so, the belated and inexplicable move of the EC to order a re-poll abruptly, with less than 48 hours' notice, does not appear warranted," Jayalalithaa said.

According to the AIADMK general secretary, the re-poll decision "appears to be against the canons of propriety of the election process". The EC ordered that a re-poll will be held Thursday in the state's Salem and Namakkal Lok Sabha seats.

The EC said that the re-poll has been ordered as the electronic voting machines (EVM) showed errors when the polling ended here April 24. It added that new EVMs would be used in the two polling stations and indelible ink would be applied in the left middle finger of the voters. Those who had not voted earlier can also vote, provided their names are in the electoral roll of the polling station, said the poll panel.