ONGOLE: Jubilation pervaded the district Telugu Desam Party which claimed that its campaign against irregularities in preparation of voter lists bore fruit on Tuesday with the High Court countermanding the mandal and zilla parishad elections while Election Commission ordered suspension of Revenue Divisional Officer, Ongole, and three Mandal Revenue Officers (Addanki, Ongole and Nagalupplapadu).

In marked contrast, the district administration was struck with gloom that the suspension of four officials, including one of RDO rank, over allegations of irregularities has marred its reputation at the State level.

TDP district president and Addanki MLA Karanam Balaramakrishna Murthi was in an upbeat mood as several leaders called on him to congratulate him on the twin successes. He made it an issue when the officials did not provide the voter lists even after the election notification was issued. The TDP leaders found that there were `several irregularities'. While the main list was given in printed form, the additional forms were hand-written and they did not bear the signature of any official.

The TDP leaders alleged that the officials were including the names at the instance of Congress leaders even after the notification was issued.

Voter strength

At Goginenivaripalem, the number of voters increased from 608 to 830 after notification was issued, said Damacharla Anjaneyulu, former minister.

Mr. Balaramakrishna Murthi said that they had taken the irregularities to the notice of the RDO and later to the District Collector. As they did not take any action, they were compelled to take the issue to the notice of the Election Commission and the High Court, he said.

He called the court ruling as a slap in the face of the administration.

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