The Election Commission has repeatedly emphasised that there is no scope of violence in democracy.
(Photo: PTI file)
As per sources, the poll body took cognizance of the violence and has directed Chief Secretary and DGP Andhra Pradesh to ensure that such violence should not happen at any cost.
After violence was reported in parts of Andhra Pradesh post voting on Monday, the Election Commission of India has summoned Chief Secretary and DGP of the state to the national capital on Thursday to “personally explain reasons” for the failure of administration to contain the violence and pre-emptive steps being taken to avoid any such incidents in the future.
As per sources, the poll body took cognizance of the violence and has directed Chief Secretary and DGP Andhra Pradesh to ensure that such violence should not happen at any cost. It is important to note that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is still in place.
“The ECI has summoned Chief Secretary and DGP, Andhra Pradesh to New Delhi tomorrow, to personally explain reasons for failure of administration to contain post poll violence and preemptive steps being taken to avoid any such incidents in future,” sources told News18.
They added that the ECI has taken serious note of the post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh.
The Commission has repeatedly emphasised that there is no scope of violence in democracy. Since the announcement of General Elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has been personally monitoring the election space to ensure peaceful and violence free conduct of elections.
The simultaneous election in the state for the assembly as well as Lok Sabha was conducted on Monday. Later on Monday and the next day, on Tuesday, violence was reported in Tirupati, Tadipatri and Palnadu areas between the supporters of the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) and the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP). While there were no casualties reported, several people, including polling agents, were injured.
The MCC remains in force until election results are announced and the process is completed. As per the ECI data, Andhra Pradesh recorded a total voter turnout of 80.66 per cent in the elections for the 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly constituencies. The election results for both Lok Sabha and Assembly will be declared on June 4.
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