Date:02/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/02/stories/2006070209060600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

A.P. expresses concern over judge's `remarks'

Special Correspondent

Controversy over comments on SEC

HYDERABAD: The State Election Commission's role in the ongoing quinquennial elections to the local bodies ran deeper into controversy with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy and the Congress party defending it against criticism by the Telugu Desam and observations reportedly made by the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Dr. Reddy said the Government would seek a certified copy of the order by Justice P. S. Narayana in which, according to reports in a section of the press, he made certain observations about the State Election Commission. The Judge was dealing with a writ petition challenging the SEC's order asking political parties to intimate the names of their polling agents a day before polling. It was filed by a TDP leader Manohara Naidu of Chittoor district.