Poll panel wants Jaganmohan booked for his ‘kill Naidu’ comments

HYDERABAD: The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered polling officials to file a case against YSR Congress party president YS Jaganmohan Reddy for his comments against Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the run-up to bypolls in Nandyal assembly constituency in Kur- nool district.

Addressing a public meeting at Nandyal on August 3, Jagan said there was nothing wrong if Naidu was shot dead on the road in public for not fulfilling election promises. A few days later, he also called for hanging Naidu publicly for cheating the people with his false promises.

Acting on a complaint from the TDP leaders and a report from the returning officer for Nandyal, the EC said the com- ments made by Jagan amounted to gross violation of election code of conduct. It asked the returning officer to take stern action against Jagan by filing a case against him in the police station concerned.

“We shall issue a serious warning to Jagan. Police have already filed an FIR against him,” chief electoral officer (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) Bhanwar Lal said.

Meanwhile, over 80 per cent voters cast ballots in the by-election to Nandyal assembly constituency on Wednesday, which passed off peacefully barring minor incidents.

As many as 77.66 per cent turnout was recorded till 5 p.m. Though polling came to an end at 6 p.m., those standing in queues were allowed to cast their votes. Bhanwarlal said the turnout could be 81%-82%.

The counting of votes will be taken up on August 28.