The Election Commission has served a notice to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader N Chandrababu Naidu over alleged derogatory remarks against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. Naidu received the notice on Thursday for purportedly breaching the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during his campaign addresses on March 31, where he allegedly referred to CM Jagan using derogatory terms such as "Monster," "Animal Thief," and other offensive language.
According to the notice issued by the Chief Electoral Officer of Andhra Pradesh, Naidu has been granted a 48-hour window to furnish an explanation regarding the derogatory comments made against the YSR Congress Party and its leader, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The notice stemmed from a complaint lodged by Lella Appi Reddy, the State General Secretary of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), and another individual.
During his campaign rallies in Yemmiganur, Markapuram, and Bapatla constituencies, the notice outlined that TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu allegedly used derogatory language, including terms such as "Monster," "Animal," "Thief," and other offensive expressions, to refer to Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Upon reviewing the speeches presented in a pen drive, the Election Commission has concluded that they prima facie contravene provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.
The TDP is facing the election in alliance with BJP and Pawan Kalyan-led JanaSena party. The YSRCP is contesting the election alone. The state Congress led by YS Sharmila, also the sister of Jagan Mohan Reddy, has emerged as a formidable force in the polls.
The Assembly and Lok Sabha elections are set to be simultaneously held in Andhra Pradesh on May 13. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.
In Andhra, a party will require 88 seats to win a majority and form a government.
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