Khammam: The 2018 elections in Telangana are throwing up a variety problems that were not faced in the 2014 elections. Such problem are seen in seven Assembly segments in Khammam and Bhadradri-Kothagudem districts.
In 2014, the elections were held under the Andhra Pradesh government and there was a single Chief Election Officer (CEO) for both states. Now, there are separate CEOs and separate state governments. The diktat of the Telangana CEO may not be followed in Andhra Pradesh until a direction is received from the AP CEO. Such directions have been received by AP officials now.
The cooperation of AP officials is a must for the strict implementation of the model code of conduct (MCC) in the elections in Telangana.
The seven Assembly segments in Khammam and Bhadradri-Kothagudem districts have long borders with Andhra Pradesh and the AP officials should extend their cooperation to the Telangana election officials. Their cooperation is a must for MCC implementation as candidates can transport liquor and money through the AP border during the polls.
Segments like Palair, Madhira, Wyra and Sattupalli in Khammam district and Aswaraopet, Pinapaka and Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri districts have borders with 12 mandals in Krishna, East and West Godavari districts of AP. Mandals like Jaggaipet, Vastavai, Penugranchiprolu, Verulapadu, Nandigama, Gamapalagudem, Tiruvuru and Chatrai in Krishna district, Chintalapudi, Jeelugumilli, Velierpad and Kukkunoor in West Godavari and Nellipaka in East Godavari have borders with these seven Assembly segments.
These areas are easily accessible to all political leaders. It is problem for the election officials of Khammam district if candidates select these border villages for money and liquor distribution to voters and MCC means nothing if such incidents take place.
In this context, the MROs of these 12 mandals were called to Khammam and Kothagudem and asked to check such malpractices in their respective villages. Police check posts will be placed there to restrict the entry of anti-social elements. The mandal revenue officers of AP were directed to inform the district polling officials if they find any unwarranted activity pertaining to the elections.
