TDP, YSRCP spar as both parties complain to Election Commission over bogus voters

NEW DELHI: The rivalry between former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu and the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has intensified after the two parties clashed at the Election Commission (EC) in the national capital over the issue of bogus voters in the State.

Naidu submitted a 11-page representation alleging electoral irregularities being committed by the State Government. He sought the EC's intervention to set the house in order.

Speaking to the media after meeting the EC, Naidu said, "The ruling party is removing the votes of the opposition parties. I have never heard of such actions by any political party in any of the States in the country."

He alleged that the State electoral officer was not able to do anything as the Government was being aggressive against the opposition parties. He also alleged that the Government was booking false cases against those who question the Government.

"I have submitted representation to the EC with all evidence. I have also given evidence to the EC on removal of the votes. The Government is giving the data of the people to a private agency," Naidu alleged.

He wanted the EC to visit Andhra Pradesh and see for itself the irregularities being committed by the Government. "I have asked for an independent committee of officials to visit the State. They should not meet the officials in the State. They should visit the places on their own and verify the irregularities," Naidu said.

He also alleged that the Government was resorting to fake cases against the opposition parties. He cited the example of the State police booking a case against him in Punganur and Angalla where the ruling party activists have attacked the TDP leaders and the police.

Meanwhile, YSRCP MP Vijay Sai Reddy sought an independent inquiry into the alleged presence of bogus votes in the State.

He alleged that there were lakhs of bogus votes in the State, which could be used to rig the elections. He said that the bogus votes were being added to the electoral rolls by the TDP.

The MP also alleged that the TDP was using a private agency to collect data of the people and add them to the electoral rolls. He said that this was a serious violation of the election laws.

The EC assured Vijay Sai Reddy that it would look into his allegations and take appropriate action. The Commission also asked the State Government to provide it with all the necessary information about the electoral rolls.