EC Received No Complaint On Note For Vote Case: Telangana CEO Rajat Kumar

Hyderabad: Quashing the influence of nepotism in electing public representatives, Telangana Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rajat Kumar said that the sons and daughters of ministers were not made MLAs and MPs without electoral process. Addressing media in a 'Meet The Press' program here today, he explained on the importance of elections, their arrangements and the voting procedure.

The provisions related to the conduct of elections, formation of the Election Commission and the appointment of Chief Electoral Officer are mentioned in Article 324 to Article 329, he said. Stating that the electoral process is integral to democracy, the Officer said social justice could not be guaranteed if the electoral rolls are not prepared in the due procedure.

Rajat Kumar said that the EC's primary function was to ensure that the electoral process is carried out in accordance with the law while safeguarding public interest. Adding that the pink ballot paper was in use from 1950, he said that complaints were received against its usage now.

Stressing on the importance of the newspaper, television and media during the elections, the CEO explained the EC's rules to control the influence of money in polling. There needs to be a systemic change to reduce the impact of money but that cannot be accomplished overnight, he observed.

"Typically, a CEO would always be under political pressure. But, there is no kind of pressure on me. Action would be taken on officers who violate the rules. We will file complaints on the ruling party if complaints are received. In Tamil Nadu, there were instances when Rs 700 worth cash has been seized," he added.

Asked about the voting rights to Non-resident Indians (NRIs), the CEO said that there was no provision for NRI voting. The villages are polling in greater numbers than in the urban areas, where polling of only 50-55% is being registered. He warned that criminal cases would be registered on business and commercial organisations which do not announce a holiday.

Revealing an interesting finding from the previous elections, Rajat Kumar said around 50% of the cases booked during elections were later closed due to settlements. "We did not receive any complaint on the note for vote case," he added.

He asked the working journalists to work towards gaining the attention of the EC to avail the online voting facility.

Watch this space for more updates on Telangana Assembly Elections 2018.

Also Read: Cap On Telangana Poll Candidates Cash Expenditure: EC