The nomination papers of Kavitha, a hearing-impaired woman from Navamal Kappor village in Kandamangalam block of Villupuram district, was rejected on the ground that the rules under the new Panchayati Raj Act prevent physically challenged persons from contesting.
Enraged over the “blatant discrimination”, representatives of the Disabled Persons Association submitted a memorandum to State Election Commissioner S Aiyar demanding amendment to the law. As the electoral process is already on for the October 17 and 19 polls to both rural and urban local bodies, Aiyar pleaded lack of time for making such amendments now.
Moreover, Monday was the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers. The demand to remove the discriminatory clause was reasonable. “The government will take steps to address the issue,” Aiyar said.
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