Central forces in Kerala to ensure fair polls: Antony

Kozhikode (Kerala), Nov 3 : Defence Minister A.K. Antony Tuesday said the central forces were sent to Kannur district ahead of assembly polls Nov 7 as the state government had failed to ensure free and fair elections.

Antony was reacting to a comment of Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan during a campaign speech Monday that the paramilitary troopers would have to stay in barracks during the polls.

"The chief minister and the state government should introspect on why the central forces have arrived. It is because the government failed to ensure a free and fair election," said Antony.

Three companies of paramilitary troopers arrived in Kannur district and conducted a route march Monday evening.

Elections take place to Kannur, Ernakulam and Alappuzha assembly seats after Congress legislators from these constituencies got elected to the Lok Sabha in May 2009 general elections.

State Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Tuesday said: "The paramilitary forces are in Kannur on the directions of the Election Commission. They will only be associated with the poll process and will have nothing to do with the law and order situation."