CPI national executive member C Mahendran has accused the AIADMK of ‘murder of democracy’ in the local body polls.

Addressing media persons in Kumbakonam today, Mahendran alleged that opposition parties were not given adequate time to identify candidates and file nominations, while the ruling AIADMK had prepared the area-wise list of candidates some 15 days ahead of the state election commission’s “unusually hurried” announcement of local body polls.

AIADMK nominations were filed the very day after the announcement. “But 12 days time has been given for the elected candidates to be sworn-in. This will pave way for horse-trading,” the CPI leader said.

“There is no chance for the local body polls to be held in accordance with democratic norms,” said Mahendran.

The CPI leader also said that the country’s unity and integrity was affected following the water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Karnataka government has even gone to the extent of passing a resolution in the Assembly against the Supreme Court’s direction, Mahendran said and urged both the BJP and the Congress to hold talks with responsibility in resolving the Cauvery issue.