Over 80 candidates file nominations on first day for TN Assembly election
According to public (election) department sources, the last date to submit nomination papers is April 29.
Chennai: More than 80 aspirants, mostly independents, filed their nominations on Friday, the first day, for the Assembly election on May 16.
In Chennai, five independents submitted their nominations, with three filing their papers in high profile R K Nagar, where CM J. Jayalalithaa is contesting. She is to file her papers on Monday. Villivakkam and Harbour constituencies in Chennai saw independents submitting their nominations.
According to public (election) department sources, the last date to submit nomination papers is April 29. Scrutiny will be on the next day and May 2 is the last day for withdrawal. With Saturday and Sunday being a closed day for nominations, Monday is all set to see maximum filing and April 25, being an auspicious day, arrangements have been made to speed up nomination process, sources said.
Interestingly, most political party candidates stayed away from nominations on the first day barring two popular DMK candidates in Erode and Palayamkottai. Erode DMK strongman S. Muthusamy and former minister T.P.M.Mohideen Khan filed their nominations.
According to Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni, around 5.6 crore people are eligible to cast their franchise in about 65,000 polling booths. Complaints against IAS and IPS officers are being forwarded to Election Commission for further action. Poll observers are in place and more observers are expected next week.