SEC’s action against senior officers arbitrary, alleges Sajjala

State Election Commissioner N. Ramesh Kumar is appearing in an “arbitrary and despotic manner” in issuing orders against senior authorities officers concerned within the conduct of native physique elections, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Adviser (Public Affairs), has alleged.

“The State government will stand by all the officers facing censure or being castigated by the SEC. The officers can continue to work without fear. The government will issue proceedings against the SEC orders. I advise the officers to file criminal defamation suit against the SEC. We believe that the SEC has crossed its limits in censuring or transferring officers at will. The SEC has entered into a conspiracy with TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu,” Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy alleged whereas addressing the media on the celebration central workplace at Tadepalli on Wednesday.

Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy additionally faulted the SEC’s stand against the steps taken by the State authorities for guaranteeing free and peaceable elections, which included money incentives to sarpanches and ward members of gram panchayats elected unanimously.

“While we have taken this decision to ensure a peaceful poll and to reduce tension in the villages, the SEC thinks that the government is influencing the people. This is unfortunate,” mentioned Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy.

Stating that the federal government had taken a principled stand on the native physique elections within the context of COVID-19 vaccination drive, he mentioned it, nonetheless, abided by the Supreme Court’s resolution.

“We are confident of sweeping the elections and the people of the State are behind us. People are also watching the conspiracies of the Opposition in trying to create unrest by raking up communal issues,” he alleged.