Chandrababu Naidu hails SC verdict on Andhra Panchayat polls, says 'eye-opener for Jagan'

Issuing a statement after Supreme Court verdict on Panchayat polls in Andhra Presh, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu welcomed decision and said that it should be an eye-opener for Jagan Mohan Reddy-led state government. Terming Jagan's government as “fascist and anarchist”, Naidu said that re is a need for conducting a free and fair election to panchayats by taking all required measures. Blaming YSRCP of "violence and intimidation tactics", Naidu recalled violence that took place when Panchayat polls were ordered in March 2020. Coming down heavily on state government,  TDP chief alleged that YSRCP government is demolishing constitutional institutions like courts, election commission, etc. 

RE | Chandrababu Naidu slams Andhra DGP; 'working on CM Jagan's orders, protecting YSRCP cre'

Andhra HC allows SEC to hold polls

As per reports, a 2-judge Andhra HC bench overruled a single-judge bench's order staying SEC from holding gram panchayat polls in February. Subsequently, SEC issued a tification anuncing four-phase polls on February 5,9,13 and 17. First phase polls will be held in districts including Srikakulam, Vishakhapatnam, East Godavari, Krishna, Nellore, Anantapur etc. Challenging SEC's decision, Jagan government h moved SC seeking a stay on holding gram panchayat polls claiming that 'elections and vaccination drive cant happen simultaneously'. Previously, on January 12, a single judge HC bench h stayed polls, which was challenged by SEC in High Court.

Expressing disapproval over ongoing tussle between Andhra Presh government and State election commissioner (SEC) Ramesh Kumar, Supreme Court on Monday dismissed Jagan govt's plea. ting that elections were held in more difficult conditions than COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Supreme court said that 'Ego was leing to lawlessness' while refusing to interfere in decision of SEC to hold gram panchayat polls. 

RE | SC Junks Andhra Govt's Plea Challenging SEC's Poll Schedule; Slams 'Ego Of 2 Authorities'

Jagan vs SEC

At start of COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Andhra Presh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy lashed out at State Election Commissioner Ramesh Kumar for arbitrarily postponing of rural and urban local body elections. Claiming that his predecessor Chandrababu Naidu h appointed Commissioner of 'his own caste', he slammed transfer of collectors of Chittoor and Guntur districts, saying that if SEC is authorizing such transfers, 'Why was a government needed?'. He has also complained to Goverr Biswabhusan Harichandan on postponing of polls and h moved apex court challenging it.

local body polls which were scheduled for 21-29 March, were postponed by  Andhra Presh State Election Commission (APSEC) by six weeks due to coronavirus scare and also owing to incidents of violence being reported since election dates were anunced. SEC pointed out 23 forced withdrawals and 55 incidents of violence perpetrated by ruling party  - YSRCP against BJP and TDP, seeking protection from Home Ministry. In environment of psychological terror and current pandemic, Kumar asked permission to operate from Hyderab, raising apprehensions on State police.

RE | Andhra HC suspends SEC schedule for Gram Panchayat polls, rules in favour of Jagan govt

RE | Andhra DGP Rebuts Chandrababu Naidu's Claims On Temple Vandalism; Lists Police's Efforts