AP State Election Commissioner 'breach of privilege'- Ministers complain to Speaker

Two senior Ministers on Saturday approached Andhra Presh Assembly Speaker T Sitaram, alleging "breach of privilege" by State Election Commissioner N Ramesh Kumar for naming m in a letter written to Goverr, saying that y have crossed "Lakshman Rekha".

Ramesh Kumar in his December 28 letter to Goverr Biswabhusan Harichandan, passed comments against Ministers Botcha Satyanarayana and P Ramachandra Reddy, alleging that y verbally attacked him, which, according to SEC, amounted to violation of Model Code of Conduct. minations for first phase of Panchayat polls began on Friday and polls will be held on February 9.

"I am refore appealing to your good self to take necessary action into contents of letter allegedly written by Dr Nimmagda Ramesh Kumar, State Election Commissioner, which contain casting reflections, libellous remarks and intimidating words me with an ulterior motive of defaming me in public eye. I once again appeal to you to protect my privileges, hour and respect by taking appropriate action in this regard," Reddy said in his letter to Speaker.

Botcha also sent a similar letter to Speaker. Ramesh Kumar is under sharp criticism from ruling YSR Congress Party, which was against conducting panchayat polls when mass vaccination programme for frontline COVID-19 warriors is being taken up across country, including AP.

Though government argued that vaccination programme would hinder polls, Andhra Presh High Court gave a green signal to SEC to go for polls, which was upheld by Apex Court.