Election Commission Orders Retention of CAPF in Andhra Pradesh Amid Post-Poll Violenc
In a decisive move, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to retain 25 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies in Andhra Pradesh for 15 days following the counting of votes. This decision comes in response to the violence that erupted after the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls held on May 13.
State Government’s Request
The directive follows a request from the Andhra Pradesh State government, which sought the retention of central forces to maintain law and order post-election. Reports of post-poll violence on May 13 and 14 prompted this urgent plea.
Political Tensions
The incidents of violence have seen leaders from the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) trading accusations. Both parties blame each other for the unrest, further escalating the political tensions in the state.
Summoning of State Officials
In response to the violent incidents, the ECI summoned Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K.S. Jawahar Reddy and Director-General of Police Harish Gupta to Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi. The poll panel demanded a “personal explanation” from the officials regarding the disturbances on May 13 and
In a strongly worded statement, the ECI expressed its displeasure with the state administration. The commission directed the Chief Secretary and the DGP to ensure such violence is not repeated. It emphasized the need for all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to take preemptive measures to prevent future incidents of this nature.
Extension of Central Forces’ Presence
The ECI’s decision to retain the central forces underscores the seriousness of the situation. The central forces will remain in the state for 15 days post-counting, ensuring peace and stability as the election results are declared on June 4.
Conclusion
The ECI’s intervention highlights the importance of maintaining law and order during the electoral process. The continued presence of CAPF in Andhra Pradesh aims to prevent further violence and ensure the safety and security of the state’s residents. As political parties await the election results, the ECI’s measures are a crucial step in safeguarding democratic processes.
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