Cases booked against TDP, TRS chiefs for violation of Model Code

Hyderabad, May 31 (UNI) Following a directive from the Election Commission, police booked cases against Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) President K Chandrasekhar Rao and three television channels for alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct during the by-elections held on May 29 for four Lok Sabha and 18 Assembly seats.

The TDP and TRS chiefs have been accused of campaigning during the 48-hour-long ''silence period'' from 1700 hrs on May 27.

Cases have been booked under Section 126 of the Representation of People's Act for committing electoral offence.

Similarly, three TV channels are accused of telecasting the interviews of Mr Naidu and Mr Rao on May 27-28.

After watching video clippings and perusing reports furnished by the Collectors, the EC found prima facie that both the leaders had violated the Model Code.

State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) I V Subba Rao told newspersons, based on his complaint lodged with Saifabad Police, that cases were booked against Mr Naidu and Mr Rao in the city.

The cases are being referred to the local court for appropriate legal action.

UNI AP VA GM PY KN1737