Ganeshamurthy stages ‘dharna’ in Erode collectorate

Salem: The MDMK candidate for Erode LS constituency, A Ganeshamurthy faced an embarrassment on Monday as he was allegedly denied entry into the Erode collector's office when he went to file his nomination papers.

Mr. Ganeshamurthy, contesting as part of the DMK-Congress alliance for the April 18 Lok Sabha elections, was allotted time between 1-30 pm and 2 pm today to submit his papers to the Erode collector and returning officer for the constituency. But when he got there at the appointed hour, he was not allowed.

Upset over this, Ganeshamurthy sat in a brief dharna before the district collector's room until policemen on duty pacified the former MP and then let him go in to file his nomination papers. The MDMK candidate then preferred a complaint with the returning officer on denial of entry into his room.

Including Mr Ganeshamurthy, who would be contesting on the DMK's symbol this time, 15 candidates have filed their nomination papers for the Erode seat so far.

In nearby Salem Lok Sabha constituency, the AIADMK candidate K S R Saravanan filed his papers with the district collector and returning officer Ms Rohini Bhajubhakare.

Other candidates who filed their nomination papers for the Salem LS seat today included Naam Tamizhar Katchi candidate Mr. Raja, actor Kamal Haasan-led MNM candidate Prabhu Manikandan, besides few independents.

So far 19 candidates have filed papers for the Salem LS constituency so far.  In neighbouring Namakkal constituency, 24 candidates have filed papers so far.