BRS lodges complaint against Revanth Reddy over MCC violations at Vikarabad public meeting

The BRS has lodged a complaint with the Telangana State Election Commission accusing Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of violating the Model Code of Conduct by allegedly misusing a government programme for political campaigning during municipal elections

Hyderabad: Charging Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy with serious violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the BRS lodged a formal complaint with the Telangana State Election Commission (SEC) at Vikarabad on Monday, demanding stringent action. In its complaint, the BRS said the Chief Minister misused an official event, “Praja Palana-Pragati Bata”, for political purposes when the MCC was in force amid the ongoing municipal elections.

The programme involved cheque distribution under bank linkage and Stree Nidhi assistance to 6,650 women Self-Help Groups.

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According to the BRS, Revanth Reddy converted the government programme into a political event by openly appealing for votes for the Congress party and urging people to ensure the party’s victory in the municipal polls. Party leaders alleged that beneficiaries were compelled to raise their hands and chant political slogans such as “Jai Congress”, amounting to overt electioneering using a State platform.

The BRS stated that the Chief Minister exploited the presence of welfare beneficiaries, many of whom were economically vulnerable, to create undue political influence and pressure, in direct violation of MCC provisions that bar the use of official position, government machinery and public funds for campaigning during elections.

The BRS contended that such actions undermine the level playing field, erode public confidence in free and fair elections, and weaken the authority of the Election Commission. “When a constitutional authority openly violates electoral norms, it strikes at the very foundation of representative democracy,” the party stated.

Seeking immediate intervention, the BRS urged the SEC to take cognisance of the matter, order a comprehensive inquiry, including examination of video footage and official records, and initiate strict action under the MCC and relevant election laws. The party also sought clear directions to prevent further misuse of government programmes during the election period.