A delegation of the TDP-BJP-JSP alliance, comprising Varla Ramaiah, Lanka Dinakar and T. Siva Sankar, submitted a memorandum to Ram Mohan Mishra, the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) special observer (general) for Andhra Pradesh, requesting him to transfer Chief Secretary K.S. Jawahar Reddy and Director General of Police K.V. Rajendranath Reddy, expressing the apprehension that the elections could not be held in a fair and transparent manner if they continued to be at the helm.
Speaking to the media later, Mr. Ramaiah said a compilation of the incidents that jeopardised law and order was given to the observer for reference. The favouritism being shown by these officers to the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) was explained to the observer.
He said the fact that the police were foisting cases on the victims of violence perpetrated by goons, with the backing of YSRCP, was taken to Mr. Mishra’s notice. Also, CM’s additional secretary K. Dhanunjaya Reddy’s transfer was sought for his participation in the YSRCP manifesto release programme.
Mr. Dinakar said the functioning of the Chief Secreatary and the DGP was to be closely scrutinised and necessary action should be taken against them to ensure that the elections were conducted smoothly.
Mr. Siva Sankar said the complaint against the CS, the DGP and other officers was intended to protect the Constitution and the rule of law, which faced an unprecedented threat in the State, and hoped that the ECI would crack the whip.
