No law to prevent convicted persons from holding party posts: Ex-CEC

Chennai: Former Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthy has claimed that there are no laws to prevent a convicted person from holding a top position in the political party.

“There is no restriction as of now,” he said to a question on the tenability of AIADMK’s general secretary V. K. Sasikala, who was convicted in a disproportionate wealth case. “I am not saying that even if it’s an interim arrangement, she can continue as general secretary. No laws prevent convicted persons from holding political posts in the party. Even Lalu Yadav was the president of the party (RJD) when he was convicted,” Mr. Krishnamurthy said.
His views assume significance as the AIADMK, meeting the Election Commission’s deadline defended the decision to appoint V. K. Sasikala as its interim general secretary. Challenging her appointment, former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam team moved the EC seeking it to disqualify her as her appointment violated the party norms.

Speaking to this correspondent on Tuesday he said the EC would make an enquiry and certainly give an opportunity to both the parties before arriving at a decision on whether it is legally tenable or not. On the expulsion of OPS team from AIADMK and the retaliatory action resorted by OPS group, Mr. Krishnamurthy said the facts of the case hinge upon the constitution of the party. “I will not be in a position to give a judgment on that but I am sure the Election Commission will examine the pros and cons on both sides and arrive at a decision with reference to the constitution of the party,” he replied.

On his suggestion for creating the National Election Fund, Mr. Krishnamurthy, said it is only for funding purpose to prevent companies from donating to the political parties.

There is a nexus between companies and political parties as a result of donations. “The fund will remove that nexus while ensuring state funding of the elections,” he added.