This election season in Andhra Pradesh has seen it all. From misusing the Election Commission to misleading people over a death within the family, there has been drama, tragedy, comedy and unfortunate bitterness. This time, however, the Election Commission in Andhra Pradesh has been overtly responsive to any small complaint or grievance lodged by the YSR Congress party.
Following YSR Congress’ complaint over AP government DGP for Intelligence and complaint over Kadapa and Srikakulam SP, the Election Commission immediately passed transfer orders and barred them from election duty, alleging that they were working in favour of the ruling TDP, without any verification of their record or offering any explanation for transfer.
Similarly, the Election Commission also issued transfer order for Prakasam district SP Koya Praveen and replaced him by Siddharth Kaushal who is on the Special Investigation Team of the Telangana Police in data theft case allegations faced by the TDP. Additionally, the EC also issued transfer orders to Tadepalli inspector who will be overlooking the election in Mangalagiri constituency which comes under the jurisdiction of Tadepalli, which is being contested by Nara Lokesh.
The state government has been opposing EC’s attitude over the transfer of senior officials in the state to non-election posts. Last week, the Election Commission also went to the extent of replace the state’s Chief Secretary Anil Puneetha with L.V. Subramanyam, who is accused in misappropriation of assets cases and has been a close aide of Jagan.
One wonders why the EC has been so pro-active in acting over YSRCP’s complaints, despite the government seeking an explanation on its excesses. Is the EC not answerable to people and the government?
