Perni slams EC’s ‘double’ standards

Former minister and YSRCP leader, Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani), has criticised both the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the AP Election Commission, accusing them of operating under the influence of the BJP at the Centre. He specifically pointed out the Election Commission’s contradictory stance on the handling of postal ballot votes and recent developments in the High Court. Nani alleged that State Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena had violated postal ballot rules by issuing a memo allowing the acceptance of ballots without proper stamps or designations.  
Despite bringing this matter to the attention of the Election Commission, there was no response, prompting them to file an urgent petition in court. He said that such stringent rules were being enforced only in Andhra Pradesh, not elsewhere in the country.
In a significant turn, CEO MK Meena informed the court on Thursday of his decision to withdraw the controversial memo, which Nani interpreted as an acknowledgement of error. He criticised the Election Commission’s rationale, deeming the memo unjust. Nani affirmed their determination to contest the relaxation granted by the Central Election Commission, expressing confidence in the judicial process. Regardless of the tactics employed by Chandrababu and the BJP, Nani asserted that righteousness would ultimately prevail in court.
Moreover, Nani reiterated his stance that both the state EC and ECI are under the undue influence of the ruling BJP at the centre, a concern repeatedly raised by his party. He lamented the Election Commission’s apparent disregard for their complaints and evidence of wrongdoing by the TDP. Nani highlighted a double standard in the treatment of news articles, alleging biased actions against the YSRCP while sparing the TDP and BJP from scrutiny. He accused the opposition of intimidating District Collectors and Returning Officers and orchestrating a barrage of cases against his party.
Nani demanded equal treatment under the law, emphasising that no preferential treatment should be given to the TDP and BJP.