EVM vandalism row: YSRCP backs Macherla MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, questions ECI

Also Read: YSRCP MLA faces action for damaging EVM in Andhra Pradesh

Questions ECI

In a video released on Wednesday, 22 May, YSRCP MLA of Gurazala, Kasu Mahesh Reddy, stated that the opposition and its affiliated media are running a “character assassination” campaign against his colleague Macherla MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy.

Kasu criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) for naming Pinnelli as the prime accused in the EVM vandalism incident after a “short” video went viral. He also questioned the fairness of ECI for including Ramkrishna’s name based on the video alone.

Referring to the instances of EVM vandalism in other places, Kasu said, “ECI had mentioned similar instances of EVM vandalism in six to seven places, “yet those videos have not surfaced.”

He added, “In the same Palvai gate booth, our booth agents were attacked and pulled outside. It was Ramakrishna Reddy who consoled them.”

“Why aren’t the videos of our agents being beaten shown? ” Kasu questioned.

Demanding the whole video of two hours before the incident, Kasu claimed, “There was rigging in Macherla and across the state, which YSRCP has been complaining about to the ECI.”

Kasu further questioned the ECI, as to why the instances and complaints highlighted by YSRCP were not being addressed.

“As contesting candidates, both YSRCP and TDP should have their complaints addressed by the ECI to ensure free and fair elections,” he added

Ambati questions the authenticity of video

Another, YSRCP MLA and incumbent minister Ambati Rambabu raised the issue of YSRCP-affiliated voters not being able to exercise their right in many places including Macherla.

He further claimed that MLA Ramakrishna had complained about “TDP atrocities” at the very same booth where EVM was damaged. He added that the officials and police have ignored them.

Questioning the authenticity of the video, Rambabu asked, “How did the video of the MLA vandalising the EVM get released and how did it reach TDP leader Nara Lokesh, who uploaded it on his social media platforms?” He speculated if the video was morphed.

Also Read: EC summons Andhra chief secretary, DGP over post-poll violence in state

The incident

On 13 May, Ramakrishna, who is Macherla Assembly constituency candidate of the ruling YSRCP allegedly barged into a polling station and smashed the EVM.

The entire act was caught on a web camera installed by the Election Commission (EC), leading to his identification with footage and documentary evidence.

On Tuesday, the EC directed Andhra PradeshAndhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta to take stringent criminal against the MLA.

According to the EC, EVMs were damaged at seven polling stations in Macherla constituency alone on the polling day.

“In Macherla Assembly Constituency, EVMs were damaged in seven polling stations including the PS no (polling station number) 202 where this incident of damage of EVM by the sitting MLA P Ramakrishna Reddy was recorded in the web camera,” said a statement from Meena’s office late on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Meena noted that Reddy has been named as accused number one (A1) in the case registered after verifying the footage under 10 stringent sections.

Taking serious note of the incident, the poll panel has questioned local election authorities as to why YSRCP Macherla assembly candidate was not arrested yet, including issuing immediate arrest orders.

#AndhraPradesh: Videos of @YSRCParty MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy destroying EVMs at Palvai Gate Polling Center (202), Rentachintala Mandal, Macherla Constituency go viral. @JaiTDP alleges the video is from May 13. Clarification from the MLA and officials awaited. pic.twitter.com/lzhkZN5f6x

— South First (@TheSouthfirst) May 21, 2024

(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula, with inputs from Bhaskar Basava)