PNS|Vijayawada
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu met with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Monday to voice his concerns regarding significant irregularities in the voters’ list. Chandrababu Naidu presented evidence to the CEC panel, alleging that the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) has exerted political pressure on the election machinery, hindering its independent functioning and citing several violations.
Naidu revealed that numerous representations had been submitted to the Election Commission regarding the by-elections for the Tirupati Lok Sabha seat. He expressed dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s response, claiming that they have expedited action on some issues while inordinately delaying others. Chandrababu Naidu further contended that the state government has effectively established a parallel election apparatus in the form of “grama” or ward “sachivalayams,” undermining the authority of polling personnel and sidestepping the directives of the Election Commission.
The TDP chief also highlighted instances of irregularities witnessed during the local body elections in 2020-21, which he attributed to the exercise of political influence, physical force, and excessive police involvement. Additionally, during the Legislative Council polls, he alleged that district-level officers had engaged in a competition to reject nominations on flimsy and illegal grounds to ensure unanimity in their respective areas.
Chandrababu Naidu pointed out a significant departure from constitutional provisions by the State Government. He argued that parallel institutions such as “grama” and ward “sachivalayams” had been created at the panchayat and municipality levels, staffed by approximately 145,000 individuals who lack experience in the electoral process. These individuals have been appointed as booth-level officers instead of the Election Commission’s recommended employees, according to his claims.
Furthermore, Naidu brought attention to a government order issued by the Home Department, referred to as GO no. 1, dated January 2, 2023. This order had initially restricted Opposition parties from conducting any activities, but it was subsequently struck down by the High Court.
Regarding specific cases, Naidu alleged that 40,000 votes had been removed from the Visakhapatnam (East) Assembly constituency without following proper procedures. Additionally, he claimed that 10,000 Form-7 applications had been processed in bulk in the Parchur Assembly segment, while 23,000 votes were deleted in the Vijayawada (Central) segment.
Concluding his address, Chandrababu Naidu expressed grave concerns about the upcoming 2024 elections. He warned that these elections might unfold in an environment marked by unprecedented violence, with money and muscle power playing a prominent role, all with the intent of depriving eligible voters of their fundamental rights.
