Cadres help cops tighten security in Tamil Nadu

Voting was over days ago,vigilance has continued since. With weeks left for counting of votes in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election,political parties in the state,especially those in the Opposition,have stationed their cadre outside counting centres across the state. Counting is on May 13,a month after the election. Considering the long gap and owing to concerns expressed by parties about the possibility of tampering with EVMs,the Election Commission has put in place an elaborate security system with three tiers: Central paramilitary forces,Tamil Nadu Special Police and the state police. Parties have deployed the faithful too on the premises for a 24-hour watch. The AIADMK,the CPM and the CPI had urged the Election Commission to ensure tight security,alleging the ruling DMK could tamper with the machines with the help of “loyal” government employees and police personnel. The AIADMK had sought permission for its candidates’ agents to be present on these premises at all times till counting.