FGG flags irregularities in Telangana local body polls

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has urged the State Election Commission to take stringent action against alleged large-scale bribery and violations of the Model Code of Conduct during recent Panchayat and Municipal elections in Telangana.

In a representation submitted by FGG president M. Padmanabha Reddy, the forum alleged that while the elections were conducted peacefully, the principle of fairness was severely compromised due to rampant use of money power.

The forum claimed that there are 12,769 Gram Panchayats in Telangana, and in nearly 10,000 Gram Panchayats, candidates together spent an estimated Rs.10,000 crore, averaging about Rs.1 crore per Panchayat. It alleged that distribution of cash, liquor and other inducements took place openly, with media reports documenting several instances. In some areas, voters reportedly staged protests demanding payment from candidates.

The representation further alleged that Model Code provisions — including the prohibition of bribery, misuse of government resources, and announcement of new schemes during the election period — were violated in Municipal polls without adequate enforcement action.

The Forum said that after the results the defeated candidates were seen going house to house with a photo of God and asking the voters on oath, whether they have voted for him, if not return the money. This evidence is enough to book both the candidate and the voter. It has called upon the Commission to register cases against candidates who bribed voters and also against voters who demanded or accepted money. It also sought strict measures to curb money power in the forthcoming MPTC, ZPTC and GHMC elections.

Stressing the constitutional mandate under Articles 243-K and 243-ZA, the forum appealed for decisive action to ensure truly free and fair elections in the State.