ECI reacts sharply after YSRCP MLA seen destroying EVM
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday directed the Andhra Pradesh Police chief to take stern criminal action against YSRCP MLA P Ramakrishna Reddy for damaging an electronic voting machine (EVM). The poll panel ordered the action after Palnadu district election officials provided police with video footage from May 13 showing Reddy destroying the EVM at a polling station in Macherla constituency.
EVM damage reported in seven polling stations
Reportedly, EVMs were damaged in seven polling stations within the Macherla constituency, including polling station number 202, where Reddy was allegedly involved. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)'s statement read, "In Macherla Assembly Constituency, EVMs were damaged in seven polling stations including the PS no (polling station number) 202 where this incident of damage of EVM by the sitting MLA P Ramakrishna Reddy was recorded in the web camera."
Police investigation underway, Reddy named as accused
Considering the seriousness of the issue, the ECI directed the CEO to inform DGP Harish Kumar Gupta to take strict criminal action against all involved parties. The police reported that Reddy's name was included as an accused during the investigation. The commission further asked the police to take stringent action against all individuals involved to ensure that "no one in the future dares to interfere with the peaceful conduct of polls."
Opposition leader calls for strict action against Reddy
Sharing footage of the incident, opposition leader and national general secretary of the Telugu Desam Party, Lookesh Nara, alleged that Reddy resorted to destroying the EVMs fearing defeat in the elections. "I demand that the Election Commission take strict action against Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, who vandalized EVMs and attacked them out of fear of defeat," he wrote on X. The southern state experienced poll-related violence in several districts during simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls conducted on May 13.
