The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : `Black day for democracy', says TDP chief

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Tuesday, Jul 11, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

`Black day for democracy', says TDP chief

Special Correspondent

The TDP is undeterred by the methods adopted by the ruling party and the day is not far off when people will revolt, says Naidu

HYDERABAD: Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu has described the Congress win in elections to Anantapur Zilla Parishad after wooing two party ZPTCs as a "black day for democracy".

"It is not the question of the TDP losing one ZP chairmanship but of future of democracy in a situation where ruling party uses money and muscle power to buy ZPTCs, negating the hard earned mandate that was clearly in favour of a TDP Backward Class candidate. Voice of the BCs was gagged," he said at a press conference here on Monday evening.

Without making a direct demand, he said if the State Election Commission had any respect for upholding democratic values and was serious about checking horse trading, it would have suo motu taken up the issue and cancelled the elections.

Charge against YSR

Mr. Naidu went on to charge the Chief Minister with involving himself in the murky affair of wooing the Opposition ZPTCs and flashing a mobile, he said the party had evidence to prove it. He said the Chief Minister had used a Congress leader's mobile to call up and influence the ZP chairpersons' elections. "We will reveal further details at the appropriate time."

He said the TDP was undeterred by the methods adopted by the ruling party and the day was not far off when people would revolt. "When you reverse a clear mandate disregarding the repressive measures unleashed by the Government, they would have limited options."

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