Former state EC criticises AP electoral roll \"deficiencies\"

Tirupati: Former state election commissioner Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar has said releasing the draft voter rolls without addressing its "deficiencies" was a grave mistake.

Speaking at a public meeting held by Citizens for Democracy (CFD) here on Sunday, he referred to the statement by the chief electoral officer (CEO) that over 25 lakh voters in the state lacked door numbers.

“More than 15 lakh voters share door numbers, with over 10 individuals assigned to each door. The election commission should have corrected such errors,” he said and took exception to the release of “flawed draft rolls.”

Other members of the CFD, including retired judge of AP high court Bhavani Prasad, former chief secretary LV Subramanyam, former CJ of Himachal Pradesh HC, MN Rao, V Lakshma Reddy, E Phalguna Kumar and others spoke.

L.V. Subramanyam drew attention to the challenges faced in constitutional governance, citing the situation in Sri Lanka where financial mismanagement led to governmental instability. He highlighted how excessive government spending surpassing income rendered governance difficult.

“Peaceful protests by the citizens eventually prompted the Sri Lankan president and other leaders to flee,” he said.

Jana Chaitanya Vedika leader Lakshma Reddy directed a question at chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. He asked whether governance should involve targeting the opponents. He expressed concern about potential misuse of power and public funds through the village/ward secretariat system.

Other speakers asked where citizens should turn to when rulers failed to deliver justice. Criticizing the appointment of 13 government advisers with cabinet rank, they said such a move went against the spirit of the Constitution.