Election Commission Summons Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary, DGP Over Post-Poll Violence

Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary and DGP are expected to provide a personal explanation regarding the administration's alleged failure to contain these incidents.

TDP and YSRCP workers clash during voting for the 4th phase of Lok Sabha elections and Andhra Pradesh Assembly polls in Om Shanti Nagar (File Photo)

Source : PTI

The sources reported that the Election Commission of India has taken note of the post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh and has summoned the state's chief secretary and the DGP on Thursday. Both the officers are expected to provide a personal explanation regarding the administration's alleged failure to contain these incidents.

According to ANI, sources said, "EC summons Andhra Pradesh chief secretary, DGP to "personally explain" reasons for failure to contain post-poll violence."

 

EC summons Andhra Pradesh chief secretary, DGP to "personally explain" reasons for failure to contain post-poll violence: Sources

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 15, 2024

 

Reminding the state government that the Model Code of Conduct is still in force, the EC also asked the chief secretary and the police chief to ensure such incidents are not repeated. The Commission has repeatedly emphasised that there is no place for violence in a democracy and since the announcement of Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has been personally monitoring the election space to ensure peaceful and violence-free conduct of polls, officials pointed out, according to a report on PTI.

During their appearance at the EC headquarters on Thursday, top officials from Andhra Pradesh will be required to provide a personal explanation for the administration's inability to curb post-poll violence, sources revealed. Additionally, they will be questioned about the proactive measures being implemented to prevent any such occurrences in the future.

Incidents of post-poll violence were reported in various parts of Andhra Pradesh following the combined Lok Sabha and assembly polls held on Monday. The state recorded voter turnout of 81.86 per cent including 1.2 per cent through postal ballots. 

For several days now, the leaders of the ruling YSRCP and opposition TDP have levelled allegations against each other for poll-related incidents.