Actor Vishal cries foul, alleges candidacy proposers are missing
Vishal is trying to fight R K Nagar elections in Chennai
In Short
- Vishal's candidacy was rejected by the EC
- He was told to bring his proposers in person in front of Returning Officer by 3 p.m.on Thursday
- He claims that the proposers are missing and that he is worried for their well being
The RK Nagar Assembly by-poll drama in Chennai turned grimmer on Thursday with Actor Vishal claiming that K. Sumathy and Deepan, the two proposers in his nomination papers who had earlier met the RO alleging that their signatures were forged, are missing.
The actor was asked by the Election Commission earlier during the day to produce Sumathy and Deepan in front of returning officer (RO) Velusamy before 3 pm to hear their versions. If the two proposers meet the RO before 3 pm and agree with what Vishal had said, his candidature would be re-scrutinized.
The actor had claimed that Sumathy had been coerced by the ruling AIADMK to allege that her signature was forced. He had submitted an audio clip claiming that Sumathy was forced to appear before the RO, but Velusamy had rejected its veracity.
"As time passes by, Dheepan and Sumathi, who proposed my nomination are not traceable. I'm very much worried about their safety & security.... Whether I Win or Lose, Democracy truly Lost !!" Vishal tweeted.
Thursday is the last day for withdrawal of candidature. Symbols would be allotted by 3 pm and the final candidate list issued by 5 pm. After the EC's directive, Vishal had tweeted: "Just received info thru media that I have to produce the 2 people who supposedly alleged that their signature in my nomination for RK Nagar Election has been forged, in front of the Election Commission before 3 PM today. Less than 2 hours to do this..."
Vishal had written to the EC and the RO requesting recalling the rejection of his nomination. If the EC asks the RO to reconsider Vishal's nomination, the actor could contest the election, scheduled for December 21. "Still awaiting Democracy to lift its head up again.... God save my beloved country from this anarchy!! #JusticeDelayedIsJusticeDenied," he tweeted earlier. Vishal had met Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni on Wednesday and petitioned him seeking a recall of the order passed by the RO.
In an exclusive interview with India Today on Wednesday, Vishal had said, "Democracy has been mocked and targeted. The rejection was a big surprise to me; my papers were in order. I didn't forge any signatures. Rules were flouted. Chennai still witnesses civic apathy. The youth should enter politics. We can't be mute spectators."