Cong demands additional forces for Kadapa

The APCC leaders who met Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwar Lal at his chambers in the Secretariat on impressed upon him the need to step up additional security forces in the Kadapa district to restrain the excesses of violation of Election Code.

They were of the opinion that this way the authorities concerned could ensure free and fair by-elections in the district.

In a representation to the CEO, the Congress leaders complained that YSR Congress leaders were resorting to intentional terror campaign in Lingala and Simhadripuram mandals to lower the confidence of the poor voters who may not exercise their franchise on May 8.

 Earlier KJ Rao, former Advisor to the Election Commission, heading a team of public servants had also toured the district.

In view of his observations, the Congress leaders urged the CEO to evaluate the ground requirements and position sufficient armed forces in Kadapa.

Besides, election campaign was also going on in the Churches in favour of Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. The services of Mr Jaganmohan Reddy’s brother-in-law and preacher Anil Kumar along with his team were being utilised openly.

 The Ysr Congress Party was also conducting campaign in the vicinity and around the residence of Congress candidate Dl Ravindra Reddy in Mydukuru to deliberately demoralize the latter and his ranks.

 In Jammalamadugu and Pulivendula constituencies the minority residential localities are in majority and turned out to be sensitive.

The Congress leader saw urgency in increasing the forces to protect the voting pattern in both the constituencies.

Madasu Ganghadhar, vice president, Rudraraju Padmaraju, MLC and General Secretary, Gidugu Rudraraju met the press persons.

They also faxed their representation to the ECI for action.