Election Commission debars DMK MP A Raja from campaigning

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday delisted DMK MP and former Minister A. Raja from the star campaigners' list and debarred him from campaigning for 48 hours with immediate effect for making a "derogatory and scandalous" speech against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami. The commission also advised Raja to be "watchful and not to make intemperate, indecent, derogatory, obscene remarks and lower the dignity of women in the future during the election campaign".

The commission's action came a day after it found Raja's reply unsatisfactory regarding the allegations charged against him. Raja has submitted his reply to the EC on Wednesday denying all charges against him after the commission in a notice on March 30 directed him to explain his position in this regard.

In its Thursday order, the Commission said, "You (A. Raja) had submitted your interim reply on March 31 denying the allegations. It is requested to give you an opportunity to give detailed reply and personal hearing with your advocate.

"Your reply was not found satisfactory. It was also observed that asking for more time to represent is an attempt to buy time which the Commission cannot afford to give in the midst of elections."

After considering all facts, documents, reports and your reply on March 31, the commission further said, "it reprimands you for violation of model code of conduct".

"The commission delists your name from the list of star campaigner of DMK and debars you from campaigning for 48 hours with immediate effect. The commission also advises you to be watchful and not to make intemperate, indecent, derogatory, obscene remarks and lower the dignity of women in future during election campaign." (IANS)

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