BJP urges EC to take action for adopting open ballot

Hyderabad, Mar 18 (UNI) BJP National Secretary N Indrasena Reddy today urged the Andhra Pradesh Election Commission to take action against the voters who had cast their vote openly in the local body, Graduates and Teachers Constituencies for the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections held here yesterday.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Reddy alleged that several leaders, including Education Minister N Rajyalakshmi had allegedly displayed the ballot paper after marking their preference.

He said adoption of open ballot system in the elections to the local authorities constituencies was clear violation of the Election Commission norms. The election should take action against the voters, who adopted the open ballot system on 'suo moto' without waiting for a written complaint.

He said it was insult for democracy when Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, who was a strong votary for the Council did not register his name as a voter. It indicated that the Chief Minister had not committed on the Council and democratic process, he said.

UNI