The Election Commission of India has announced that the Tiruvarur by-poll, which was slated to be held on January 28, has been rescinded. The decision has been taken based on a report by the District Collector and District Election Officer that Gaja cyclone relief works would be affected due to the implementation of the model code of conduct.
In a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer, Malay Mallick, Secretary of Election Commission of India, said, "I am directed to intimate that the Commission has ordered on 6th January, 2019 that the Commission's Notification No. 100/TN-LA/1/2019 dated 3rd January, 2019, calling upon the said 168-Thiruvarur Assembly constituency to elect an MLA shall stand rescinded forthwith for the reasons stated therein. Consequently, all actions and steps taken by the Returning Officer of the said 168-Thiruvarur Assembly Constituency, District Election Officer and election authorities concerned are hereby declared null and void.
A copy of the Notification to be published in the Extraordinary Official Gazette of the State of Tamil Nadu is being sent separately." On Saturday, hours after Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo asked a detailed report from him on the conduct of Tiruvarur by-election, Collector and District Election Officer (DEO) L Nirmal Raj had called for an all-party meet to get the views of various political outfits. Meanwhile, various political leaders on Saturday aired their opinion on the by-election. DMK president M K Stalin said, "The electoral officer must take into account the views from all parties and fronts.
AMMK deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran said, "DMK is afraid to contest in the elections much like ruling party AIADMK. The opposition parties are afraid that AMMK will win and hence are asking for cancellation of the by-polls.". Former Minister and AIADMK spokesperson Vaigaiselvan said the DMK is fearful of the elections. "They are afraid and nervous upon the announcement of by-polls," he added.
