Telangana Municipal Polls: Congress Faces Influence Charges
- Allegations of money and muscle power in Telangana municipal polls
- Opposition claims police bias during municipal elections
The Telangana municipal polls have come under scrutiny amid allegations that the ruling Congress party used money and muscle power to influence voters and opposition candidates. Complaints similar to those raised during the Gram Panchayat elections are now being reported from across the State. The charges have added tension to the election process and drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties.
According to the information available, complaints surfaced from several municipalities during the Telangana municipal polls. At a few places, locals reportedly caught Congress leaders distributing money to voters. In other areas, opposition candidates were allegedly warned against contesting the elections. Pressure was reportedly exerted through money and muscle power. Meanwhile, opposition parties also claimed that the official machinery was acting selectively.
There were also complaints that police and election squads targeted only opposition candidates. According to the allegations, teams conducted searches at the offices and residences of opposition leaders. However, opposition parties claimed that similar action was not taken against Congress leaders. Therefore, they alleged bias during the enforcement of election rules.
In Bichkunda municipality, locals reportedly caught Jukkal MLA T Laxmikantha Rao campaigning even after the stipulated deadline of 5 pm on Monday. Tension prevailed after locals and BRS workers objected to the Congress MLA and his followers. They alleged that the group tried to influence voters even after campaign hours ended.
In a similar incident, videos of Congress MLA Ramdas Naik campaigning in the 14th ward of Vyra municipality in Khammam district circulated on social media. He was reportedly seen appealing to voters even after 5 pm. Meanwhile, these visuals added to the growing complaints during the Telangana municipal polls.
At Makthal in Narayanpet district, BJP candidate Mahadevappa allegedly died by suicide. Reports stated that he was unable to bear the pressure exerted by local Congress leaders. This incident further intensified criticism from opposition parties during the municipal elections.
Former MLA Balka Suman charged that police were specifically targeting BRS candidates and leaders in Chennur municipality. While police were free to conduct searches, he questioned why only BRS leaders were being targeted. He also alleged inaction despite complaints of money and liquor distribution by Congress leaders, particularly at Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy’s camp office.
In another incident, police ordered BRS candidates to close their party office in the 11th division of Bandamidipally in Mahabubnagar. They were also directed to vacate the premises. BRS leaders complained that a nearby Congress office was spared. They alleged that official machinery was extending undue support to the ruling party candidate.
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