Advertisement

Updated March 18th, 2020 at 21:35 IST

Andhra State Election Commissioner seeks security citing YSRCP threats for deferring polls

After Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy's attack at state Election commissioner for postponing local bodies polls, top election officer sought MHA's security

Andhra
| Image:self
Advertisement

After Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy's fiery attack at the state Election commissioner for postponing the local bodies polls, the top election officer Dr. N Ramesh Kumar, on Wednesday, as written to the Home Secretary seeking protection. In his letter, Kumar points out to 23 forced withdrawals and 55 incidents of violence perpetrated by the ruling party  - YSRCP against the BJP and the TDP. He slammed the Jagan government for verbally abusing him and stated that he and his family have been receiving repeated threats.

Jagan Mohan Reddy claims 'many Coronavirus cases cured by paracetamol'; Naidu slams him

AP State Election Commissioner seeks security from Home Ministry

Explaining the unwillingness of political parties to campaign amid Coronavirus pandemic, he alleged that YSRCP had 'planted liquor' in several cases to 'frame Opposition' to arrest them under AP Ordinance. Moreover, he reaffirmed his decision to transfer some collectors and Dy. SPs, which has been challenged by the state government in the SC. Hence, in the environment of psychological terror and the current pandemic, Kumar asked permission to operate from Hyderabad, raising apprehensions on the State police.

'Made mockery of Constitution', TDP lashes out at Jagan's fuss over poll postponement

Jagan lashes out on postponement of polls

On March 15, Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy lashed out at the  State Election Commissioner Ramesh Kumar for arbitrarily postponing of the rural and urban local body elections, while addressing a press conference at his legislative capital Amaravati. Claiming that his predecessor Chandrababu Naidu had appointed the Commissioner of 'his own caste', he slammed the transfer of collectors of Chittoor and Guntur districts, saying that if SEC is authorizing such transfers, 'Why was a government needed?'. He has also complained to Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan on the postponing of polls and has moved the apex Court challenging it.

"We did not appoint Ramesh Kumar as SEC, it was Chandrababu Naidu who appointed his own caste man. But how can he act in such discriminate fashion?" he lashed out.

Coronavirus Outbreak: ISIS advice terrorists to 'cover mouth while yawning, sneezing'

Andhra polls postponed

The local body polls which were scheduled for 21-29 March, were postponed by the  Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC) by six weeks due to the coronavirus scare and also owing to incidents of violence being reported since election dates were announced. All local body polls - Zilla Parishad, Mandal Parishad, panchayat, municipal bodies were deferred. TDP has come down heavily on the state government for questioning the APSEC’s move as fresh dates will be announced later this year.

PM Modi leads SAARC conference on Coronavirus, shares 'Prepare, don't panic' mantra

Advertisement

Published March 18th, 2020 at 21:35 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

"We never celebrated Holi after the incident (the murder), I felt that today is Holi for us,” Alka Rai, wife of formerBJP MLA Krishnanand Rai said.
a few seconds ago
PM Modi & BillGates
5 minutes ago
Bengaluru Blast: Rameshwaram Cafe Customer Demands Refund for Meal Not Served
7 minutes ago
LSG Captain KL Rahul After Loss in IPL 2024 1st Match
16 minutes ago
Gautam Gambhir gets into a fight with Virat Kohli
23 minutes ago
Noida Police Slaps Rs 80,500 Fine On 2 Girls For Creating 'Vulgar Holi Reels' On Moving Scooter And Delhi Metro
23 minutes ago
China stocks rise
27 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo