APCC protests in Vijayawada, demands transparency from Election Commission
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee protests in Vijayawada, demanding transparency from the Election Commission and documentary answers on electoral roll issues.
The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) staged a protest in Vijayawada on Monday, pressing for greater transparency and accountability in the working of the Election Commission and seeking documentary clarification on matters linked to electoral rolls and voter registration.
The demonstration was held as per the directions of the All India Congress Committee and a call given by APCC president Y. S. Sharmila Reddy. APCC working presidents J. D. Seelam and Shaik Mastan Vali led the protest.
Congress leaders raised questions on electoral rolls, the deletion of eligible voters, changes in the voter registration process and the overall functioning of the electoral system. They sought detailed documentary responses from the Election Commission.
Among their demands was the public disclosure of file notings, minutes and Action Taken Reports concerning what they described as 14 objections raised at the level of Election Commissioners. They also asked for the legal basis and the relevant gazette notification for changes made to Form-6, used for voter registration.
Speaking at the protest, Mr. Seelam called for an independent audit of ECINET data security and clarification on reports concerning the deletion of voters in Goa. He also demanded that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process be kept on hold until an independent review was conducted.
The protesters said the Election Commission should place relevant decisions, orders, file notings and the legal basis for its actions in the public domain. Documentary explanations, they argued, were necessary to address concerns over the electoral process rather than relying solely on public statements.
They reiterated their demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and sought a comprehensive inquiry into the functioning of the Election Commission.
Later, a delegation of Congress leaders met the State Election Commissioner and submitted a memorandum outlining their demands.
APCC vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji, party leaders V. Gurunadham, V. Venkatesh, Nagamadhu Yadav, N. P. Teja Naidu, A. B. Mohammed, Borra Kiran, N. Narasimha Rao, Ambati Ramakrishna, C. Vijay Kumar, S. Annajirao, A. V. V. Raju, S. Nagaraju, Shantha Kumari, M. Vidya Sagar, Kamalakar, D. Ramesh Babu and K. Prabhakara Rao, besides a large number of party leaders and workers, participated in the protest.