Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu’s criticism on YSR Congress president Jagan Mohan Reddy’s entry into Tirumala temple might land him into a big trouble.
Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwarlal on Tuesday informed that the Election Commission has directed the Chittoor district authorities to send the video clipping of Chandrababu Naidu’s statement wherein he reportedly criticised Jagan for entering the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam temple for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara without signing the declaration of faith. The Election Commission will review whether Naidu’s comments were communal or caste-centric.
Bhanwarlal said that the Election Commission would take stern action against Naidu and others if they are found guilty of making caste-based or communal remarks during the by-elections campaign.
The Election Commission will also review the reported statement of Roads and Buildings Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao in which he described Sonia Gandhi as a Christian. While addressing an election meeting at Dhraksharamam in Ramachandrapuram assembly constituency of East Godavari district, the minister reportedly stated that being a Christian Jagan was hoping to get votes from his community. Contrary to this, he said Sonia Gandhi was a big Christian than Jagan.
Bhanwarlal also informed that an all party meeting would be organised on May 13 or 14 to review the preparations for the by-elections to be held in 18 assembly and one Lok Sabha constituencies on June 12.
The CEO said that so far, the authorities have seized Rs 7 crore cash and about 45,000 litres of liquor in 12 election-bound districts. He said, this time, the seized liquor would be destroyed.
Bhanwarlal said that the Election Commission has not permitted the Cabinet Sub-Committee to conduct workshops in connection with the SC, ST sub-plan in 12 election-bound districts. Further, he said schools in all 12 election-bound districts would re-open on June 13, instead of June 12. (INN)