Chennai, June 04: Two IAS officers, appointed by the Election Commission to probe allegations of electoral malpractices during the bye-elections to Tamil Nadu assembly from Saidapet constituency on May 31, today inquired into the charges with the representatives of political parties. They summoned DMK candidate m Subaramaniam and his Chief Election agent and DMK MLS Dr K Ponmudi in the morning and AIADMK's south Chennai district secretary S Doraisamy later in the afternoon. They also spoke to polling officials of the constituency. DMK men told the officials that only a repoll in the entire constituency could satisfy them. They had provided the officials with proof, to substantiate the allegations of rigging, Ponmudi told reporters after meeting the officials. Doraisamy told the officers that the charges were Untrue and the Election Commission should order counting of the votes.

The Election Commission has asked J S Burjia and Santosh Kumar, the Commission's observers for Vaniyambadi and Acharapakkam constituencies respectively, to inquire into the complaints.

Bureau Report