Ban use of caretaker CM, ministers’ pictures in ads: Congress

Hyderabad, Sept 26 (Maxim News): The Congress party has strongly objected to the use of pictures of caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and other members of council of ministers in government advertisements.

Referring to the advertisement issued for newspapers for the launch of Metro Rail line from Ameerpet- LB Nagar, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) Treasurer Gudur Narayana Reddy has strongly condemned the use of pictures of caretaker CM and ministers. “There must be a clear demarcation between a regular and caretaker government. A caretaker government must follow the conventions and court judgements on several dos and don’ts. It cannot misuse official machinery for self publicity,” he said.

Gudur Narayana Reddy pointed out that a caretaker government is expected to perform routine acts of governance like salary and law and order. “KCR had never shown any respect for the Constitution of India since beginning. He openly violated the Anti-Defection Law and Land Acquisition Act. Most of the Central Acts like Right to Education remained unimplemented in Telangana under TRS regime. Unfortunately, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan had remained a mute spectator to these violations and never responded to several representations made by the opposition parties. Similarly, KCR is now trying to take advantage of the fact that there is no mention of ‘caretaker government’ in the Constitution. However, at least the Governor should behave responsibly and follow the precedents,” he said.

The Congress leader said it was unfortunate that the Governor took along all the caretaker ministers and other leaders of TRS party to inaugurate the Metro Rail Line. They turned a public event into a photo shoot with the caretaker ministers posing for pictures at all the places. “This is completely against the spirit of democratic practices and it must be stopped. There must be a complete ban on use of pictures of caretaker CM, ministers or leaders of ruling party,” he demanded.

Gudur Narayana Reddy feared that the free and fair elections were not possible if KCR is allowed to continue to as caretaker Chief Minister. Therefore, he reiterated the demand for imposition of President’s Rule in Telangana till fresh elections are held.

The Congress leader also condemned caretaker minister K. Tarakarama Rao for his remarks against the Congress party and its leaders. He said KTR has been trying to engage Congress leaders into a meaningless debate on other issues to divert people’s attention from the failures of TRS Government. He challenged KTR for an open debate on TRS Government’s ‘Promises Vs Performance’. He said not a single major electoral promise made by TRS has been fulfilled. (Maxim News)