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Key Points

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has taken serious note of voting rights violations during the Pulivendula ZPTC bypoll. Villagers from Achhavelli and Erraballi complained they were denied voting rights and that goons occupied polling booths. This marks the first time in 30 years that polling was actually conducted in Pulivendula, as YSR family candidates typically won unanimously. The TDP's victory in both ZPTC seats came as a major setback to YSR Congress leader Jagan Mohan Reddy in his home constituency.

Key Points: SC Commission Issues Notices on Pulivendula ZPTC Bypoll Voting Irregularities

  • NCSC issues notice to Kadapa Collector over voting rights denial
  • Villagers allege goons occupied polling booths during by-election
  • Commission invokes Article 338 powers for constitutional inquiry
  • TDP won both ZPTC seats in YSR Kadapa defeating YSRCP
2 min read

Pulivendula ZPTC bypoll: SC Commission issues notices to District Collector

NCSC investigates Pulivendula ZPTC bypoll after villagers allege vote denial and booth capturing. District Collector given 15 days to submit report.

"The right to vote is a constitutional safeguard and any violation will be taken seriously - National Commission for Scheduled Castes"

Amaravati, Aug 26

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has issued notices to YSR Kadapa District Collector on the alleged irregularities in the recent by-election to Pulivendula ZPTC seat.

On representations received from two villagers regarding denial of voting rights and atrocities during the by-election, the Commission issued notices to the district Collector, Cherukuri Sridhar.

Villagers from Achhavelli and Erraballi had complained to the Commission that they were not allowed to cast their votes, and alleged that goons occupied polling booths. They also stated that their voting rights were misused by others.

The Commission decided to conduct an inquiry into the matter in pursuance of the powers conferred upon it under Article 338 of the Constitution of India. It has directed the District Collector to submit a detailed report within 15 days, explaining what actions have been taken so far.

The Commission stressed that the right to vote is a constitutional safeguard and any violation will be taken seriously.

The representations were received from Kadara Badara Obulesu of Erraballe gram panchayat and Dannasi Janardhan of Atchavelli gram panchayat.

By-elections for Pulivendula and Ontimitta Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) in YSR Kadapa district were held on August 12.

The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) wrested both the seats from the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). It was a big jolt to former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in his home constituency of Pulivendula.

YSRCP had accused the ruling party of resorting to large-scale rigging in collusion with the State Election Commission. The opposition party had boycotted the counting and demanded a fresh election.

In Pulivendula, TDP candidate Latha Reddy defeated Hemanth Reddy of YSRCP by a margin of 6,035 votes.

Latha Reddy, wife of former MLC and the ruling party’s Pulivendula constituency in-charge, Mareddy Ravindra Reddy (B Tech Ravi), polled 6,716 votes while the YSRCP candidate secured only 683 votes.

The by-poll for Pulivendula ZPTC was necessitated by the death of ZPTC member T. Maheshwar Reddy of YSRCP. The opposition party had fielded his son, Hemanth Reddy.

Polling for the Pulivendula ZPTC was conducted for the first time in 30 years, as candidates backed by the YSR family have been winning the seat unanimously. The TDP-led NDA had described the conduct of polling as “restoration of democracy.”

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
First time polling in 30 years and this happens? Shameful! The margin of victory (6000+ votes vs 683) itself raises questions. Hope the inquiry brings out the truth. Democracy should prevail, not muscle power.
M
Michael C
While the allegations are serious, let's not jump to conclusions before the inquiry is complete. The Commission has given 15 days for the report - we should wait for facts rather than political narratives.
S
Sneha F
This is why we need EVMs with voter verifiable paper audit trail everywhere. Booth capturing and vote misuse should be impossible in 2024. Election Commission needs to strengthen polling security in rural areas.
A
Aditya G
YSR family winning unanimously for 30 years wasn't democracy either. Both sides need to respect the electoral process. Hope this inquiry sets a precedent for free and fair elections in the region. 🙏
K
Kavya N
Heartbreaking to read about villagers being denied their constitutional right. These are poor people who probably walked kilometers to vote. Their voice matters as much as anyone else's. Justice should be served.

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