Andhra Pradesh   

Vizag byelection: poll panel probe tomorrow

J. Venkatesan

Complaints of large-scale violation of model code of conduct

New Delhi: The Election Commission is deputing a two-member team to Vishakapatnam on Wednesday to probe into complaints of large-scale violation of the model code of conduct in the byelection held on February 19 in Visakhapatnam-I constituency. The probe will be conducted on Thursday.

The Commission had earlier decided to postpone the counting of votes in the constituency till further orders, pending a full-fledged enquiry into allegations of distribution of liquor and money to voters on the polling day. The counting of votes was scheduled for February 22. It was alleged that a section of workers of the Telugu Desam Party and the Congress were arrested when money and liquor were being distributed.

The Commission, after perusing the report of the observer explaining the violations, ordered an enquiry by a two-member team comprising S.K. Mendiratta, Commission Adviser, and Tapas Kumar, secretary. Sources said the decision on permitting the counting of votes or ordering a repoll would be decided only after studying the enquiry team's report.

Prior to the poll, the Commission slapped a show cause notice on Union Minister T. Subbirami Reddy and a State Minister for violating the code of conduct in Visakhapatnam. The Commission has taken a serious view of the fresh allegations necessitating a probe into the matter, sources said.

Visakhapatnam Staff Reporter adds: Separate notices have been issued to contesting candidates and recognised political parties, other individuals or organisations who wish to meet the EC team on Thursday and present their case. They can register themselves with the returning officer at the Mandal Revenue Officer (Urban) at Sethammadhara on or before 6 p.m. on Wednesday to facilitate the allotment of time. Persons belonging to both the main contending parties, Congress and TDP, with cash allegedly meant for distribution among voters have been arrested.

Parawada MLA and DCC president Gandi Babji allegedly brandishing a revolver at TDP leaders in the Post Office area on Sunday during the polling had dominated the post-poll scene. The TDP had staged protests demanding his arrest. While the police had booked a case against Mr. Babji, the MLA denied that he was carrying a weapon.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Vizag byelection: poll panel probe tomorrow
Rockets unearthed in Maoist dumps
Operation Raj
Classical touch
The catch
Briefly

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu