Hyderabad: The Congress's commandments to ticket aspirants in the form of self-declarations have missed out on the crucial aspect of defections. Though it has sought a declaration from party hopefuls on 17 prescribed points, the TPCC has failed to ask for an assurance on the defection front if they are elected.
The party had a bitter experience after the 2019 elections when several of its MLAs joined the BRS.
The TPCC released an application form along with eight pages of self-declarations. As per the declarations, the candidate will not turn a rebel if rejected.
"The applicants will neither accept nor give dowry. They must maintain simplicity and not expose their financial status nor splurge on marriages and social activities. Every candidate must declare his/her criminal past, if any, and not indulge in any criminal activities," the Congress said.
Among other clauses are that they would not make any statement that will tarnish the party image before the media and not make allegations against any Congress leader. They are prohibited from attending meetings related to caste or religion.
TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy released an application form and said that the selection process would be transparent.
Speaking to media persons at Gandhi Bhavan here on Friday, Reddy said "We will collect Rs 25,000 from SC and ST candidates and Rs 50,000 from others as non-refundable application fees. Applications will be accepted till August 25."
The central election committee and screening committee will consider various parameters like party activities, survey reports, participating in membership drives, winning prospects before choosing the candidates for contesting in the Assembly elections.
Reddy reiterated that senior leaders have to get AICC nod for entering the poll fray.
