SEC serious over "auctioning" of seats

Hyderabad, June 16 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission today took a serious view of the reported auctioning of MPTC seats at three places in Nizamabad district and two places in Prakasam District in connection with the two-phase elections to the Panachayat Raj bodies to be held on June 28 and July two.

Addressing a press conference here, SEC Secretary G N Rao said auctioning was a crime under Section 2(1b) of the AP Panchayat Raj act as also IPC''.

The Collectors of the two districts were asked to submit reports in consultation with the Superintendents of Police concerned in the next two or three days for the Commission to initiate action, he said.

In Nizamabad district, the MPTC seat in Nagapoor village reportedly got the highest bid of rs three lakh, while the seat in Ankaspur was auctioned for Rs 1.80 lakh. The Konapur seat reportedly fetched Rs 30,000 in the bidding by villagers to facilitate unanimous election. The seats were also reportedly auctioned in Boinavaripalem and Devinotaala in Prakasm district.

MR Rao clarified that a Sarpanch or Gram Panchayat member need not resign to contest the ZPTC/MPTC elections and could decide on the post of his choice to retain within 15 days from the date of elections. However, members of the Water Users Association were disqualified from contestesting the elections.

As per the Election Commission of India's order, the indelible ink should be applied on a voter's finger as a line from top end of nail to bottom of the first joint of left forefinger.

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