Cong complains against BRS resolutions
PNS|Hyderabad
The Congress filed a complaint with Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vikas Raj on Friday alleging that the unethical, undemocratic resolutions by some Gram Panchayats in the Machareddy Mandal in Kamareddy District to vote for Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao in the Assembly elections is violating the rule regarding secret ballot.
The Congress requested the CEO to take action against such moves.
Congress leaders mentioned in their complaint that while announcing the names of 115 BRS candidates on August 21 to KCR had declared himself as a candidate from both Kamareddy and Gajwel.
From the very next day, BRS candidates who are Ministers and MLAs launched their campaign misusing official powers.
KCR moved a step forward in adopting unethical, undemocratic ways by campaigning in Kamareddy.
Gram Panchayats meant for taking up development projects in villages were forced to adopt resolutions to vote unanimously for KCR, the Congress said.
“We are enclosing herewith the letters written on Gram Panchayats letterheads with official rubber stamps, addressed to K. Chandrasekhar Rao informing him about the resolutions adopted by the Gram Panchayat body asking the public to unanimously vote for him in the Assembly elections.
The Gram Panchayats of Rajkhanpet, Yellampet, Ankireddypalli Thanda, Maisamma Cheruvu Thanda, Venuka Thanda, Nadimi Thanda, Manthani Devulapalli, Bodagutta Thanda and Arepally, in the Machareddy Mandal of Kamareddy district passed resolutions illegally and sent them to the CM.
If we go through the letters, we find that the drafting and writing is done by the same person and after that the signatures of the Sarpanchs and Upa-Sarpanchs were taken, the Congress complaint said.
Such actions not only violate the principles of a fair and transparent election but also constitute misuse of official posts and powers, they said.
The Congress mentioned in the complaint that Gram Panchayats are vital grassroots institutions that play a crucial role in local administration. But they have to function as per the law and democratic norms. They have no role to play and cannot influence voters, the Congress said.
This is done to misguide people and to create an atmosphere indicating that the election is going in favour of the CM. Moreover, the resolutions violate the principle of secret ballot and the People Representation Act of 1951, the complaint said.
Section 94 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 says that the secrecy of voting must not be violated. No person must be asked to state for whom he has voted in an election.
The resolutions asking the public to vote for K. Chandrasekhar Rao is nothing but a kind of booth capturing. The Sarpanches violated their official powers and are liable for punishment, the complaint said.
It is to be noted that BRS MLC K. Kavitha in a Tweet on August 26 said, “The people of Kamareddy are hailing the candidacy of KCR. The Yellampet, Ankireddypalli, Nadimithanda, Venukathanda, Bodaguttathanda, Maisammchuru, Rajakanpet, Wadderagudem, Gunithanda and Devunipalli panchayats in Machareddy mandal have already resolved to support KCR. I am happy that the leaders of Machareddy mandal handed over the copies of their resolutions to me.”
