Congress alleges BRS leaders Dasoju Sravan, Maganti Sunitha breached poll code
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) on November 11 lodged two separate complaints with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) alleging Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders Dasoju Sravan and Maganti Sunitha.
In letters addressed to CEO C. Sudharshan Reddy, TPCC Election Commission Coordination Committee chairman P. Rajesh Kumar stated that Sravan, an MLC, conducted a press conference in Shaikpet division of Jubilee Hills constituency while polling was still underway. He was reportedly accompanied by 15–20 supporters, despite prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure being in force.
According to the complaint, “There is a clear guideline of the Election Commission of India that not more than four members can move together, and no press meet is allowed within 48 hours of polling.” Rajesh Kumar alleged that Sravan made “derogatory remarks” against government and election officials, including the CEO, in violation of the MCC.
In a separate representation, the TPCC accused Maganti Sunitha, BRS candidate from 61-Jubilee Hills byelection, of conducting a press meet at her residence along with a non-local corporator on November 11. The party alleged that Sunitha held the event with a photograph of the late Maganti Gopinath in the background “to influence voters during the silence period.”
Rajesh Kumar urged the CEO to “take immediate action” against both leaders and remove “non-residential political figures” present in the constituency. Screenshots of television coverage were enclosed with the complaints.
ECI bars campaigning within 48 hours of polling
Under the Election Commission’s rules, no candidate or party is allowed to campaign, hold press conferences, or make public statements that may influence voters during the 48-hour “silence period” before polling.
