How a former IPS officer, transferred by the Election Commission for praising Jayalalithaa, later became an AIADMK MLA
On International Women’s Day in 2006, just as Tamil Nadu headed for general elections, a newspaper published the views of some prominent figures on the women they admired. R. Natraj, then Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai, said, “Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is a perfect example of an ideal woman. I think she is an icon and every woman should look up to her.”
DMK leader and Union Minister of State A. Raja immediately filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), which questioned Mr. Natraj’s ability to function impartially. Mr. Raja said that since the commissioner had praised the chief minister, he could not be relied upon to ensure a “free and fair poll” in the Greater Chennai region, which includes 20 assembly constituencies.
The ECI, headed by Chief Election Commissioner BB Tandon, soon directed the Tamil Nadu government to transfer Mr. Natraj from his post. However, the Jayalalithaa government has written to the ECI asking it to reconsider its decision. The survey body refused.
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