The Election Commission of India has cautioned Minister Konda Surekha to remain careful in her ‘public utterances’ when the model code of conduct is operational in the State.
The Commission has “strongly censured” Ms. Surekha for her remarks against BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao in violation of the provisions of the MCC as also the advisory issued by the ECI in this regard. The ECI recalled its advisory to all political parties and leaders not to make false statements, utterances without factual basis aimed at misleading the voters. “Criticism of other parties or their workers on the basis of unverified allegations or on distortions shall be avoided,” the ECI said in its advisory issued ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The ECI was responding to a complaint lodged by BRS official spokesperson Dasoju Sravan and former MLC Karne Prabhakar that Ms. Surekha, during a press conference, made unverified, unsubstantiated allegations against BRS and more particularly, against Mr. K.T. Rama Rao. Based on the complaint, the Commission said it had requested the Chief Electoral Officer for a factual report on the issue and the Telangana CEO sent a report on this.
