Why Did ECI Flying Squads Search BRS Leaders' Homes in Hyderabad?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic pre-election move, ECI flying squads have conducted searches at the homes of BRS leaders in Hyderabad. This has sparked allegations of political intimidation from the BRS towards the ruling Congress party, raising questions about election integrity ahead of the crucial November 11 bye-election.
Key Takeaways
- ECI flying squads conducted pre-election searches on BRS leaders' homes.
- The searches were based on allegations of cash for votes.
- BRS condemned the searches, accusing the Congress party of political intimidation.
- A BRS delegation is set to meet with the Chief Election Commissioner.
- Calls for central forces deployment to ensure election integrity.
Hyderabad, Nov 7 (NationPress) Flying squads from the Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted searches at the residences of several Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders as the city prepares for the November 11 bye-election for the Jubilee Hills Assembly seat.
Accompanied by Central police teams, election officials scrutinized the homes of former MLA Marri Janardhan Reddy and MLC T. Ravinder Rao due to allegations that cash intended for voter distribution was hidden in their properties.
The searches took place at Reddy's house located in Moti Nagar and Rao's residence in Rahmat Nagar.
The BRS party condemned these actions, accusing the ruling Congress party of orchestrating these searches.
BRS leaders raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of police actions in regions where the Model Code of Conduct is not applicable, questioning why only the opposition leaders' properties were targeted.
They alleged that the Congress government is instilling fear to sway the bye-election in its favor.
Janardhan Reddy informed reporters post-search that no illicit cash was discovered. He accused the Congress party of engaging in undemocratic practices out of fear of losing.
Reddy highlighted that A. Revanth Reddy is the sole Chief Minister to have hosted 13 corner meetings for a bye-election.
"The Congress lacks faith in democracy, which is why they resort to intimidating political opponents," he stated.
In response, Ponnam Prabhakar, the Hyderabad in-charge minister and Congress leader, dismissed the BRS's allegations, asserting that the flying squads operate under the Election Commission and can conduct searches at any location.
A BRS delegation will be meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi on Friday evening, led by BRS parliamentary party leader K. R. Suresh Reddy.
The BRS has appealed to the ECI to ensure a transparent and fair bye-election.
In a correspondence to the CEC on Thursday, the BRS requested the presence of central forces throughout the constituency for the upcoming bypoll.
Suresh Reddy urged for the deployment of central forces and measures to prevent mass rigging, the creation of fake identity cards, booth capturing, and intimidation by the Congress party and its candidate Naveen Yadav.
The BRS leader also called for the installation of CCTV cameras and live webcasting systems at all polling places under central supervision.
Point of View
The recent searches conducted by the ECI highlight the tense atmosphere surrounding upcoming elections in India. Allegations of political intimidation raise critical questions about the integrity of the electoral process. As the situation unfolds, it is imperative for all parties to uphold democratic principles and ensure fair play during the elections.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the searches conducted by ECI flying squads?
The searches were initiated following complaints that cash intended for voter distribution was stored in the homes of BRS leaders.
What has the BRS party claimed regarding the searches?
The BRS has condemned the searches, accusing the Congress party of using intimidation tactics to influence the bye-election results.
What actions has the BRS taken in response to the searches?
The BRS has requested a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner to ensure a fair bye-election and demanded the deployment of central forces.
What locations were searched during the ECI operation?
The homes of former MLA Marri Janardhan Reddy in Moti Nagar and MLC T. Ravinder Rao in Rahmat Nagar were searched.
What is the BRS's stance on the Congress party's actions?
The BRS leaders believe that the Congress party is resorting to undemocratic actions due to their fear of losing the upcoming bye-election.
