Election Commission Asks YSRCP To Clear Air On Jagan Reddy Being Made Its 'Permanent President'

The YSRCP later confirmed to the ECI that the issue has been reported in the media and that the party has initiated an internal enquiry on the matter.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy

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New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday directed the Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) to clarify media reports claiming that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has been appointed the permanent president of the party, news agency PTI reported. According to the report, ECI asked YSRCP to make a "clear and categorical public announcement" on the report as the matter might create "confusion" in other political organisations.

It is to be noted that the EC order comes in the light of YSRCP initially informing the election panel about the "unanimous" election of Jagan Mohan Reddy as the party chief on July 8 and 9 this year, however, did not categorically admit or deny the specific allegation by EC regarding he being made permanent president. The ECI has also sought a reply from the party following the media reports.

"The Commission categorically rejects any attempt or even a hint of any organisational post being of permanent nature, being inherently anti-democracy. Any action which denies the periodicity of elections is in complete violation of the extant instructions of the Commission," the ECI order said.

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The EC said if not categorically contradicted, "it has the potential to create confusion in other political formations of such a move being condoned by the Election Commission of India and in turn can assume contagious proportions."

Meanwhile, the YSRCP later confirmed to the ECI that the issue has been reported in the media and that the party has initiated an internal enquiry on the matter.

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It also told EC that "necessary action" on the same will be taken by the YSRCP on finding the facts.