Cong. urges CEO to ensure free, fair poll in Badvel, Giddalur

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, FEB. 12. The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee has represented to the Chief Electoral Officer to ensure that no eligible voter is prevented from exercising his franchise in the by-elections to the Badvel and Giddalur constituencies, and the rule that every voter should prove his identity through the ID card or any other relevant document, should not be made compulsory.

In a representation to Mr M.Narayana Rao, CEO, Dr K. Kesava Rao, Mr R. Ananda Bhaskar, Mr T.Kumar Rao, coordinators of APCC and Mr M. Kothanda Reddy, former MLA, said at the all-party meeting on January 24, it was agreed that presiding officers should have the discretion in allowing voters without ID cards. They also said the proposal to have only local people act as polling agents is against the present election laws, since the candidates have freedom to appoint their agents, keeping in view the possible intimidation and coercion.

In another memorandum, they complained against the Telugu Desam indulging in ``corrupt practices'' in the two constituencies. They said that Ms J. Padmavati, Minister for Commercial Taxes, is camping in Giddalur, and pressuring traders to work for the ruling Party, and that half a dozen rigs have been pressed into service to sink new borewells to lure voters. They said that the Minister for Power, Mr K. Subbarayudu, has ordered release of 100 transformers for each constituency. They alleged huge amounts were being spent by Telugu Desam candidates to win elections.

Our Cuddapah Staff Reporter writes:

Congress leaders staged a dharna in front of the Collectorate on Monday alleging gross violation of the model code of conduct in Badvel by-elections by the TDP leader.

The APCC vice-president and former Minister, Mohd. Jani, alleged that TDP was planning to perpetrate atrocities in Badvel segment on polling day. Accusing the official machinery of lacking concern for the election rules and the people's aspirations, he said it was unfortunate that a situation arose wherein the Congress had to stage a dharna on violation of the code of conduct.

The Cuddapah MP, Mr. Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, accused the officials of not initiating any action against the TDP leaders, who were ``blatantly violating ''the code of conduct.

Addressing a press conference at Badvel, Mr. Jani asserted that the Congress would challenge the directions of the Election Commission of India, Mr. K. Jagannatha Rao, that persons, who are not voters in Badvel Assembly segment, must not be allowed to act as polling agents in the by-elections and only voters of the segment should be allowed to do so.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India observer, Mr. Subhash Chandra, on Monday directed the District Collector, Mr. Adhar Sinha, and the SP, Mr. Govind Singh, to constitute special teams of revenue and police officials for monitoring the model code of conduct in the Badvel Assembly bye-elections.

Addressing a meeting at the R & B guest house here today with the officials drafted for election duties, Mr. Subhash Chandra wanted the special teams to ensure that all the contesting candidates strictly adhered to the model code of conduct. He wanted the officials to engage videographers and record all meetings, processions and campaigning in all mandals in the segment. He enquired about the Chief Minister, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu's visit to Badvel segment and the Collector and SP informed that they had not yet received any information on his visit.

The observer directed videographing of the campaign visits of the Chief Minister, Ministers, film stars. He instructed the officials to seize vehicles moving in violation of the election rules and detain the vehicles till the completion of the election process. He asked the officials to also monitor the door-to-door campaign of the candidates and their followers. Cases should be registered and stern action initiated against those making promises, violating model code of conduct and those luring the people by offering money and supplying liquor, he said.

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