Leader of the Opposition and AIADMK co-coordinator Edappadi K. Palaniswami has alleged that the State Election Commission did not conduct the urban local bodies elections in a democratic manner and DMK workers indulged in bogus voting in the Chennai Corporation.

Talking to presspersons here on Sunday, Mr. Palaniswami said people were ready to go out and vote, but the State Election Commission and the police did not create the situation for them to vote without fear.

He accused that poor law and order situation led to a low turnout in Chennai. The voters in Chennai and Coimbatore could not exercise their franchise without fear as goons roamed the streets, he alleged. During the Assembly election, the law and order was better, ensuring free polling.

Further, DMK workers resorted to bogus voting in Chennai’s wards 114 and 115 and several other wards, he alleged. This showed that the DMK had lost its standing among people. Violence was reported at many places in Coimbatore and Chennai. The police did not take measures to prevent cash distribution by DMK workers.

The State Election Commission had become a puppet in the hands of the ruling party, Mr. Palaniswami said, demanding that the counting of votes be conducted in a democratic manner. The police should provide full security at the counting centres.