An election official in Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency, has written to the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu accusing the Returning Officer/District Collector of showing “favouritism” towards DMK candidate A Raja.
Assistant Expenditure Observer P Saravanan, in his complaint letter, claimed that Returning Officer M Aruna was “harassing him” and personally looking into each and every expenditure of A Raja.
He alleged that Aruna was trying to control the accounting procedures in favour of A Raja and that he was facing trouble for “not supporting” the RO’s “favouritism” towards the DMK candidate.
“The expenditures booked in the Shadow Observation Register of our team differ much more lakhs compared to the book of accounts of the candidate, A Raja. In order to downward the booked expenditure, the Returing Officer is repeatedly harassing me,” he said.
Saravanan demanded the Election Commission to intervene in the matter to ensure that the elections are held in a free and fair manner.
However, speaking to India Today, Returning Officer M Aruna refuted the allegations and termed them completely baseless.
“I looked into the books based on instructions from the expenditure observer as there were some discrepancies. That’s the only reason I called for the books of all parties. However, he only produced details of the DMK and didn’t show me the books of other parties. As there were variations and discrepancies in the figures, I had reprimanded him. Following this, he sent this complaint. In no way, will I put my service into question,” she said.
When asked about the controversy, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo said, “We have taken note of this based on press reports. After receiving reports from concerned officials, further steps will follow.”
Source Agencies
