HYDERABAD: Finding fault with the gram panchayats (GPs) in Machareddy mandal of Kamareddy district for passing resolutions in support of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao in the ensuing Assembly elections, TPCC leaders Shabbir Ali and G. Niranjan on Friday lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vikas Raj, seeking immediate action against the local bodies.
Enclosing BRS MLC K. Kavitha's tweets and copies of the resolutions, the TPCC leaders said that BRS candidates, who are ministers and MLAs, launched their election campaign by misusing official powers. The Chief Minister had adopted unethical and undemocratic ways in the Kamareddy constituency.
"The GPs, which are meant to take up developmental and welfare programmes were forced to adopt the resolutions to vote unanimously in favour of the Chief Minister. The letters written on GP letterheads bearing official stamps, addressed to Chandrasekhar Rao informed about the resolutions," Shabbir Ali said.
GPs of Rajkhanpet, Yellampet, Ankireddypally thanda, Maisamma Cheruvu thanda, Venuka thanda, Nadimi Thanda, Manthani Devunipalli, Bodagutta thanda and Arepally, in Machareddy Mandal of Kamareddy district had taken resolutions illegally and had sent them to the Chief Minister, the Congress leader said.
"We found that the drafting and writing has been done by the same person and the documents had signatures of sarpanchs and upa-sarpanchs were taken. Such actions not only violate the principles of fair and transparent elections but also constitute a misuse of their positions and responsibilities. Gram panchayats are vital grassroots institutions that play a crucial role in local governments," Niranjan said.
Section 94, in the Representation of the People Act 1951 said that secrecy of voting is not to be infringed. The sarpanchs violated their responsibilities and were liable for punishment, he said.
