Though the Election Commission is yet to come out with the details of the schedule for election to Tamil Nadu Assembly, the Chief Electoral Officer of the State and AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa set the ball rolling for election which may take place anytime after March 31 next year.
Rajesh lakhoni, the young CEO, has written to the Chief Secretary and district collectors asking for transferring all officers who have completed three years of present posting. “No officer connected directly with elections should continue in the present district of posting if they complete three years on or before July 31, 2016. Copies of transfer order issued should be submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer,” said the letter from the CEO to the district collectors.
Tamil Nadu goes to the polls along with Kerala, West Bengal, Assam and the Union Territory of Pudussery in April-May 2016. The letter by the State CEO is seen as the precursor to the announcement of poll schedule by the Election Commission.
Meanwhile, J Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister who is also the general secretary of the AIADMK on Monday has convened the party’s executive committee and general council meetings for December 31. It is reported that these conclaves to be held at Chennai would chalk out the strategy of the party for the upcoming Assembly election.
Sunday’s announcement by Sitaram Yechury, the CPI(M) general secretary, while inaugurating the Plenum of the party at Kolkata that all secular and democratic forces should come together against “communal and fascist forces” has made its effect in Tamil Nadu. D Pandian, the CPI leader, said it was the need of the hour and his party welcomed the CPIM) leader’s declaration. “But all parties should be flexible while deciding who the secular and democratic forces are,” Pandian told The Pioneer.
Political commentators in the State do not rule out the possibility of a major realignment in the State in the coming months. “Chances of the CPI(M), the CPI, the Congress and the DMK coming together have brightened following the statement by Yechury,” said N Kalyanasundaram, veteran political commentator. He said the decision of Vijayakanth is going to be a crucial factor in the process.