BRS files complaint against minister Ponguleti over poll code breach
HYDERABAD: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has lodged a formal complaint with the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer, alleging that civil supplies official Ramesh, who is also working as Public Relations Officer (PRO) to Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, violated the Model Code of Conduct by engaging in political activities in favour of the Congress Party.
In a written complaint, the BRS leaders said Ramesh, who serves as General Manager in the Civil Supplies Department, had circulated campaign material, promotional messages and videos supporting Minister Ponguleti through several WhatsApp groups and social media platforms, particularly related to the Borabanda Division in Jubilee Hills Assembly Constituency.
They alleged that the officer was influencing voters by sending personal messages during the period when the Model Code of Conduct is in force.
BRS seeks inquiry, action against officer
The complaint further said that Ramesh had misused his official position and government resources for political purposes, violating both the Model Code of Conduct and civil service rules.
“Such actions are objectionable, unethical and amount to blatant misuse of government machinery,” the letter said, urging the CEO to order an immediate inquiry and initiate disciplinary and penal action. The party also demanded that Ramesh be relieved from election-related duties immediately to prevent further misuse of his office.
The complaint included screenshots and copies of the messages allegedly circulated by Ramesh.
Minister accused of making inducement promises
Addressing reporters after submitting the complaint, BRS Vidyarthi Vibhag president Gellu Srinivas Yadav said Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy had violated the poll code by making promises of benefits to voters.
“At a meeting of the Vaddera community in the Borabanda Division, the minister announced that double-bedroom houses would be allotted to all those who applied after the elections. This was a clear attempt to lure voters,” Srinivas Yadav said.
The BRS delegation urged the Election Commission to bar the minister from campaigning in Jubilee Hills until polling concludes.
The team that submitted the complaint included former corporation chairman Palle Ravi, leaders Yusuf, advocates Sindam Srikanth, Surineni Abhilash, Kishtagoni Sadanandam, and Kiran Goud.
