Andhra Pradesh: EC Launches Probe Into Allegations Of EVM Vandalism By Jagan Reddy's Party MLA

The Election Commission said on Tuesday (21 May) that it has taken serious note of allegations of EVM vandalism against Andhra Pradesh MLA P Ramakrishna Reddy and stated that a probe has been launched.

A video of the incident, allegedly involving the ruling YSR Congress Party MLA, which reportedly took place on 13 May, has surfaced.

The Election Commission said that they have handed over the videos to the state police, asking them to assist in the investigation.

"Sitting MLA P Ramakrishna Reddy was recorded on web camera in the incident of vandalising EVMs in PS No. 202 and 7 polling stations in Macharla Assembly Constituency. Palnadu district election officials have handed over the video footage of all such polling stations to the police to assist in the investigation of the case related to the vandalism incident," the Chief Electoral Officer in Andhra Pradesh said in a statement, India Today reported.

Officials added that the MLA's name has been included as an accused in the investigation.

"The EC is taking this matter very seriously and has directed CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena to inform the DGP to take strict action against all those involved in these incidents," the poll body stated.

Opposition leader and Telugu Desam Party National General Secretary Nara Lokesh alleged that the MLA from Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's party resorted to destroying the EVMs out of fear of defeat.

He also shared a video of the alleged incident on X, writing, "YS Jagan Mohan Reddy not only killed his own uncle but also the people who voted for him and, finally, democracy itself. YCP MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy vandalised the EVM at the Palwai Gate polling centre in the Macharla Constituency. I demand that the Election Commission take strict action against Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, who vandalised EVMs and attacked them out of fear of defeat. People are going to give a real verdict on YCP's factional politics on June 4."

Andhra Pradesh voted to elect its MPs as well as MLAs on 13 May in a single phase. The state saw widespread violence after the polls.

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