The Telangana Congress condemned the widespread election violations by the ruling TRS party during two MLC polls across the state and demanded immediate action against the violators including Home Minister Mahmood Ali, who openly divulged the name of the candidate he voted for.
A senior Congress party leader found faults with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), blaming the official of surrendering to the TRS and failing to curtail violations during the elections.
“Is the Telangana CEO blind or has he surrendered to the ruling TRS party, allowing such brazen display of party flex, flags, caps and scarves at various polling booths, which is sheer violation of election rules and the model code of conduct? Is the CEO of Telangana, Shashank Goel, taking a nap while the elections are going on? Has the Central Election Commission become ‘KCR’s Election Commission’ in Telangana? How come Mahmood Ali, who promised to be the custodian of the Constitution, revealed Ms Vani Devi’s name? Does he have any basic knowledge of the Constitution and the election process? It is an absolute violation and an irresponsible activity. Influencing the voters is highly condemnable,” fired Dr Sravan Dasoju, AICC national spokesman.
The AICC leader further stated that the CEO had not bothered to take any action on the previous day’s allegations of TRS leaders dispensing Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per voter. Taking advantage of this, he said that the ruling party is openly violating all the election rules and the model code of conduct to influence voters. According to him, TRS leaders were seen distributing money to voters in various parts of Telangana again the next day.
“Mr Shashank Goel, you are an IAS officer and the custodian of the Constitution. You must remember one thing: you are working under the Election Commission and not under the control of CM KCR. You must answer as to what is going to happen with the Home Minister’s vote,” Dr Sravan asked.
The leader also pointed out how the TRS also paid exorbitant amounts of money for full-page advertisements and questioned why TRS leaders are being left scot-free despite such clear evidence. He also demanded the intervention of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and appealed for necessary directions to be given to the CEO to strictly follow the election guidelines in Telangana.
Dr Sravan further demanded a thorough enquiry and serious action against the election violations to safeguard the Constitution and protect democracy in Telangana, which, he claimed, is under big threat due to the arrogant and brutal politics being played by KCR and his family.