Minister Konda Surekha invokes caste, urges people to cast 10 votes each; Revanth Reddy remains muted

HYDERABAD: During an election campaign for Congress candidate Neelam Madhu in Medak Lok Sabha constituency, Forest Minister Konda Surekha made controversial remarks invoking caste and encouraging people to cast 10 votes each to secure a victory for the BC (Backward Caste) leader.

In an apparent violation of the Model Code of Conduct, Minister Konda Surekha openly asked people to vote multiple times, which is illegal. She specifically addressed BC caste members, urging them to vote as many times as necessary to ensure Neelam Madhu's victory by a margin of at least one lakh votes. The statements she made also promoted voting based on caste identity.

During her speech, she said, "Will you ensure the victory of our BC son, Mudiraj son, with a huge majority? All BC leaders, raise your hands. How many are there?" She then added, "Even if we have to cast 10 votes each, our BC, Mudiraj son will win by a huge majority. It should not be less than one lakh votes. This is our joint responsibility." She ended her speech by chanting slogans promoting BC unity.

The most alarming aspect of this speech was that it was delivered in the presence of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. A video recording of the event has since gone viral on social media, prompting widespread criticism and calls for action by the Election Commission of India (ECI). One Twitter user commented, "Let’s hope the Election Commission is monitoring this video. Kindly reshare and tag the @ECISVEEP until they suspend further roadshows." The user also pointed out that suspensions should not only apply to BRS President K Chandhrashekhar Rao, who had been banned for 48 hours for allegedly making controversial remarks against Congress leaders.

The situation has raised questions about whether Minister Konda Surekha's remarks violated the Model Code of Conduct. By promoting voting multiple times and invoking caste, her statements could undermine the electoral process and the principles of democratic voting. The Election Commission of India is expected to investigate and take appropriate action based on this clear violation.