Opposition parties in Telangana on Thursday alleged that the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) was distributing money to voters with the help of media outlets run directly and indirectly by the incumbent ruling party in the state. The Prajakutami or ‘People’s Front’ also complained to Telangana’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rajat Kumar over the same.
In a joint letter, Telangana TDP chief L Ramana, Palla Venkat Reddy from the CPI, G Vidyadhar Reddy from the TJS and V Hanumantha Rao from the Congress alleged, “We have reliably learnt that the channels headed by (directly or indirectly) the TRS party and its Supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao and their relatives and benamis have been carrying money in their media vehicles for the purpose of distributing the same to the voters, which is an electoral offence.”
The Congress also alleged that 108 ambulances were also being used for the purpose.
“Therefore, we request your good selves to direct the police to stop electronic media vehicles, particularly T News Channel and print media vehicles, particularly Namasthe Telangana and check the vehicles in the presence of cadre of the opposition parties and check the corrupt practices of ruling TRS party,” the letter added.
The leaders also alleged, “The police is deliberately trying to blame the Congress party and Prajakumati as they are declaring without any enquiry that seized money is belonging to the Congress and Prajakutami candidates. Please direct them to restrict from such spot announcements till the complete enquiry.”
This was in reference to a major racket busted by the Hyderabad police on Thursday. The police said Rs 2,11,94,000 from Banjara Hills in the city was going to be distributed among voters in Sangareddy constituency, in favour of Congress candidate Jagga Reddy.
Telangana is all set to go to the polls on December 7 and counting of votes will take place on December 11.