FGG Flags Irregularities In Local Body Elections

The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) today urged the State Election Commission to take stringent action against alleged large-scale bribery and violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the recent panchayat and municipal elections in Telangana.

In a representation submitted by FGG president M Padmanabha Reddy, the forum alleged that although the elections were conducted peacefully, the principle of fairness was severely compromised due to the rampant use of money power.

The forum stated that there were 12,769 gram panchayats in Telangana, and alleged that in nearly 10,000 of them, candidates collectively spent an estimated Rs 10,000 crore, averaging about Rs 1 crore per panchayat.

It claimed that the distribution of cash, liquor and other inducements took place openly, with media reports documenting several instances. In some areas, voters reportedly staged protests demanding payment from candidates.

The representation also alleged that provisions of the MCC - including the prohibition of bribery, misuse of government resources, and the announcement of new schemes during the election period - were violated during the run-up to the elections without adequate enforcement.

The forum stated that after the results, some defeated candidates were seen going house to house with a photo of a deity and asking voters to swear on Him that they had voted for them, and if not, to return the money. It said that such evidence was sufficient to book both the candidate and the voter.

The forum called upon the Commission to register cases against candidates who allegedly bribed voters, as well as against the voters who demanded or accepted money. It also sought strict measures to curb the use of money power in the forthcoming MPTC, ZPTC and GHMC elections.

Stressing the constitutional mandate under Articles 243-K and 243-ZA, the forum appealed for decisive action to ensure truly free and fair elections in the State.