Hyderabad: Led by TPCC President Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, a delegation of opposition leaders called on Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Rajat Kumar and complained of police harassment and phone tapping.
Besides Uttam, Telangana TDP President L. Ramana, R. Chandrashekhar Reddy, CPI Secretary Chada Venkat Reddy and TJS leader Dilip Kumar were part of the delegation which met the CEO at the State Secretariat on Thursday.
Speaking to media persons later, Uttam Kumar Reddy informed that a representation has been made with the CEO on various issues. He alleged that some police officials, at the behest of ruling TRS, were harassing the leaders of ‘Maha Kutami’.
He pointed out that T-TDP president Ramana’s car was harassed by a Task Force DCP who also happens to be the relative of caretaker CM K. Chandrashekhar Rao.
He said TDP’s leader car was stopped and he was threatened of implication in false cases. Similarly, he said TJS President Prof. M. Kodandaram was also being harassed by the police.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also alleged that under the supervision of Intelligence DIG Prabhakar Rao, the phones of all opposition leaders were being tapped. Reacting to the allegation, the CEO has assured that he would enquire into it by seeking details from the top police officials.
The TPCC chief said that the T-News channel and Namasthe Telangana newspaper were being used as pamphlet for the publicity of TRS and defame opposition parties.
This is against the rules of Model Code of Conduct and a judgement of Supreme Court wherein it is essential for all media publications and channels to give equal space to all political parties.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the election authorities have failed to remove the pictures of caretaker CM KCR and other ministers from the government buildings. He said an advertisement with KCR’s picture was still there in all the bogies of Hyderabad Metro Rail. This is an open violation of Model Code of Conduct, he said.
The TPCC chief said also objected over use of Pragathi Bhavan, ministers’ residences and Club House for holding TRS meetings. He said that the CEO has been asked to take immediate action and stop the violation of Model Code of Conduct. He said it was the duty of Election Commission of India to ensure free and fair elections in Telangana State.
Speaking on the occasion, TDP leader Ramana alleged that he was personally being harassed by some police officials. He said a representation would be made with President of India Ramnath Kovind to impose President’s Rule in Telangana to ensure free and fair elections.
CPI leader Chada Venkat Reddy alleged that the TRS was making efforts to retain power through illegal and unconstitutional means. He strongly condemned the officials who are acting as TRS activists while violation the Model Code of Conduct. (INN)