Cong, CPM clash ahead of by polls

Hyderabad, May 28 (UNI) Hours before the commencement of voting in the byelections to the 18 Assembly and four Lok Sabha seats, the ruling Congress and the CPM activists clashed in Musheerabad Assembly Constituency.

Police have registered 15 cases in connection with storage of large quantities of liquor from the areas coming under the constituencies.

Speaking to newsmen here, BC Welfare Minister Mukhesh Goud, facing charges of manhandling CPI (M) MP P Madhu, denied attacking anyone. He had only intervened to prevent the partymen from clashing and urged the CPI (M) MP to leave.

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Spokesperson B Kamalakar Rao denied the charge of the CPM and stated that the party was trying to malign the image of the ruling congress party as it was afraid of losing the polls.

Mr Kamalakar and Congress Candidate T Manemma met Chief Electoral officer (CEO) IV Subba Rao and submitted the details on the incident.

Mr Madhu and the TDP leaders also met the CEO and urged him to take action against the culprits and book cases against the Congress leaders who allegedly distributed money to voters.

Meanwhile, City Police Commissioner Prasada Rao visited the Chikadapalli Police Station and enquired about the incident.

The micro observers of Election Commission were also sent to the Musheerabad Assembly Area to take stock of the situation.

Police have registered 15 cases in bypoll-bound areas in connection with storage of a large quanity of liquor in a bid to influence the voters ahead of tomorrow's by elections.

A sum of Rs 1.3 lakh in cash also seied was in in Alair Constituency when it was about to be distributed to voters by a particular party candidate's supporters.

In another incident, Rs 50,000 was seized in Vikarabad when it was about to be distributed.

UNI AP/BB GM KK VC2258