Date:23/12/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/12/23/stories/2003122303640400.htm

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

TDP justifies increase in claims for voter enrolment

By Our Special Correspondent

Hyderabad Dec. 22. At the meeting of recognised political parties held by the Election Commission officials at the Secretariat this morning, the Telugu Desam Party justified the unusual increase in the number of applications received under the present summary revision of electoral rolls reaching 51.69 lakhs even with final list pending from Prakasam district, on the ground that the State's growth of population during 1991-2001 had come down due to successful implementation of the family planning programme resulting in more adults and less number of children aged below 18, the eligible age for enrolment.

The party general secretary, M. A. Sherif, and its spokesman, R. Chandrasekhara Reddy, told the meeting that the decadal growth registered by the State was only 13.9 per cent as compared to the national average of 21.4 per cent. Asked at a press conference later whether they had accepted this version, the Commission officials led by K. J. Rao, Commission Consultant, remained non-committal.

The Telugu Desam attributed the increase also to better awareness brought about among the people by political parties on the need for exercising franchise, grama sabhas held on December 13 and 14, campaign undertaken by the Commission through various means, and media education. It was an all-India phenomenon. The Telugu Desam and the Bharatiya Janata Party put out a common stand that no extension of date should be given for receiving further applications.

The Congress and the Left parties alleged that the increase in the number of applications was a "manipulation" going in favour of the Telugu Desam. They demanded a thorough verification. They sought extension of the date for receiving applications up to January-end. K. Kesahava Rao, G. Venkata Reddy, K. Krishna Reddy and P. Venkata Rao who represented the Congress, criticised the Commission for making photo-identity cards mandatory directly clashing with the Representation of Peoples Act. They complained that the Government was "misusing" the Central forces posted in the State for party interests and that polling stations which were located in weaker section or SC/ST/BC areas were shifted to upper caste areas.

The BJP which was represented by G. Manohar Reddy, election cell convener, asked the Commission officials to expedite verification without extending the date for receiving applications.