TDP urges SEC to remove YSRCP flag colour from govt buildings, says it violates MCC policy

Ahead of Andhra Pradesh local body elections, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Thursday has given a representation to State Election Commissioner (SEC), highlighting violation of model code of conduct by  YSR Congress Party flag colours painted on government buildings.

READ | India-EU Summit postponed: PM Modi cancels Brussels visit amid rise in Coronavirus cases

"We would like to bring to your tice certain issues that pose serious threat to free and fair conduct of democratic elections to local bodies. YSRCP-led government in its over-excitement has painted gram panchayat buildings, school buildings, road dividers, electric poles and or public structures with colours of YSRCP party flag," TDP state president K Kala Venkata Rao said in a letter to SEC.

letter also read that "In some cases, party symbol, fan, also has been painted, embarrassing democratic values cherished for so long. This also led to sharp divisions and segregation among people at ground level. Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for local body elections issued by Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission in 2019 clearly states that candidate shall use or permit private or public property to furr ir party symbols,".

READ | BMC attaches Nirav Modi's properties for tax recovery

Initiate stringent action against YSRCP says TDP

TDP termed issue as a clear violation of election code of conduct as it is bound to influence voters, party requested to "initiate stringent action against using YSRCP party colours on GP buildings, school buildings, road drivers, electric poles and or public structures".

"Furr for free and fair conduct of election, it is necessary to immediately change colour of GP buildings, school buildings, road dividers, electric poles and or public structures and vill/ward secretariats, wherever YSRCO colours have been painted," party said.

Vill volunteers will influence voting, TDP

READ | BJP's Lanka Dinakar slams YSRCP, says 'party trying to malign PM Modi & Shah's goodwill''

TDP said it is important for Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to take proactive measures in order to conduct free and fair elections with democratic spirit at its core. party also appealed to state EC t to include vill volunteers in election process as 90 percent of m are YSRCP workers. Vill volunteers will influence voting party added. TDP leaders also said that election commissioner has assured m of convening a meeting of all political parties before local body elections.

READ | Coronavirus: Punjab government appeals to people to stay away from crowded places

"In order to restore confidence on elections among general public, it is pertinent for SEC to function and act in an impartial manner in conduct of election," said TDP.

(with inputs from ANI)