Chennai: The controversial elections to Nadigar Sangam will take place tomorrow amidst tight security. A total of 3,161 members will exercise their franchise to elect office-bearers for the association.
Following orders from the Madras High Court, all arrangements are being made for smooth conduct of the polls.
The incumbent team led by president Nasser and general secretary Vishal announced that elections for the sangam would be held 23 June under the supervision of retired Judge Padmanabhan. They were challenged by Swami Sankaradas Ani led by K Bhagiyaraj and Ishari Ganesh. Bhagiyaraj is contesting Nasser, while Ishari Ganesh is fighting Vishal in the polls. Karthi is contesting for treasurer’s post from Pandavar Ani and he is challenged by actor Prashanth.
Amid allegations and counter-allegations, campaigning is on for elections. However, Pandavar Ani got a jolt last Wednesday when the Registrar of Societies announced that the elections scheduled on 23 June had been cancelled. It said it needed time to enquire those who were suspended or dismissed from the association for various reasons and have no right to vote.
“Since it may take some time, the election process would be stopped till then,” it added. About 61 members of Nadigar Sangam, who voted in the previous elections, were denied their voting rights for various acts, and they lodged a complaint with the Registrar of Societies seeking justice.
Responding to the notice issued by the Registrar, the Nadigar Sangam filed a petition with the Madras High Court alleging that that notices were issued to 61 members seeking explanation and four reminders were also sent to them. Since they did not reply to it, their voting rights have been stopped as per the decision of the Executive Committee, it said.
After hearing the arguments of Nadigar Sangam, the High Court ruled that the termination of 61 members was completely valid.
Meanwhile, Vishal filed an emergency petition with Madras Court challenging the Registrar of Societies announcement to cancel elections.
Hearing their representations, Justice P D Audikesavalu passed an interim order, permitting the association to conduct the elections as scheduled on 23 June. The Judge, however, directed that the results of the elections shall not be declared till further orders.
All eyes are on the court which is expected to announce today the venue for elections and also direct police to provide adequate security.
Meanwhile, a section of Pandavar Ani reached Secretariat this afternoon to meet Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and brief him of the situation.