The Election Commission has taken serious note of the incidents of political violence that took place in Andhra Pradesh after the election code came into force. Following the serious plea by TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, it started moving against some district police chiefs.
It directed the SPs of the respective districts to give a report on the political killings in Giddalur and Allagadda in Prakasam and Nandyala districts and the burning of a vehicle belonging to a political party in Macherla in Palnadu district.
State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena has summoned SPs of Prakasam, Nandyala and Palnadu districts to come to the CEO’s office on Thursday at 4 PM to give an explanation on how the incidents took place. They were also asked to reveal the police investigation in these incidents and how the incidents took place.
It may be recalled that two murders took place in Allagadda and Giddalur. A car belonging to a political party was set on fire in Macherla. “We will examine the reports and explanations given by those SPs and send them to the CEC. Actions will be taken according to the orders of the commission” Meena added.
Meena warned that no one should encourage political violence. He asserted that have decided to conduct the elections without political violence.
However, he refused to respond to the TDP, Jana Sena and BJP complaint alleging security lapses during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. He said that security during the Prime Minister’s tour is not under their purview.
“We have received complaints about it. We have sent them to the Union Home Secretary. At present it is under that department” he said.
He said that the Commission is also looking into whether volunteers can be sent to distribute government schemes as the Election Code is in place and orders will be issued on this. Also, “we will soon clarify the issue of whether political parties can hire volunteers who have been sidelined for violating election rules and volunteers who have resigned as polling agents”, he said.
He said that they have ordered the removal of photos and advertisements of political leaders on government buildings. No government employee should interact with public representatives. Section 144 is being implemented across the state. Political parties are not allowed to conduct campaigns and roadshows without permission.
According to Meena, 385 FIRs were registered in three days in respect of code violations. 94 cases related to destruction of property, misuse of vehicles, loudspeakers and 37 cases related to illegal meetings and incitement of voters were registered.
Against complaints against volunteers, contract employees and government employees who have violated the rules, he said that they have taken action against 46 people till Tuesday. Volunteers and contract employees who made mistakes were fired. Government employees have been suspended.
Stating that criminal cases will be registered against the employees if they act in favor of any party, he said already 40 cases were registered against volunteers.
“We suspended one VRO in Srikakulam and Nellore districts on Wednesday. Similarly, complaints were received against ZPCEO and DPO of Prakasam district. We have sent them to the district collector”, he added.
