TD leaders cry foul over malfunctioning of EVMs

Nellore: Telugu Desam leaders, who addressed the media here on Friday, took pot shots at the Election Commission (EC) for failing to conduct elections in an organised manner as majority Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioned. Ministers Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy and P Narayana criticised that the EC handled the elections in Andhra Pradesh without any responsibility.

The Ministers slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for boring grudge against Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who was fighting for protection of democracy. They suspected foul play behind the malfunctioning of around 50 per cent of the EVM's in the State whereas proper functioning of the same machines in Telangana, Chhattisgarh and other BJP ruled states.

The Ministers said that the incidents after model code of conduct came into effect in the State proved clear that the EC is under the influence of the Central government. They suspected role of Modi role behind moves of EC in transferring the Intelligence DG, Chief Secretary and IPS officers across the State without any grounds. Chandramohan Reddy accused YSRCP leaders of resorted to rigging in Atmakur and Kandukur Assembly constituencies.

MLC Beeda Ravichandra, TD Nellore Lok Sabha candidate Beeda Mastan Rao, Mayor and Nellore rural candidate SK Abdul Aziz, former legislator M Sreedhara Krishna Reddy, Chairperson of AP Mahila Finance Corporation Tallapaka Anuradha, ZP chairman Bommireddy Raghavendra Reddy and others were present.