Jagan Mohan Reddy questions the Election Commissioner appointment process, regrets backing the 2023 law and demands greater transparency in elections. (Images: X)
Vijayawada: YSR Congress Party chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed regret over supporting the Election Commissioner appointment law in 2023, calling for changes to restore public confidence in the electoral system.
Speaking to the media after meeting the State Election Commissioner (SEC), Jagan said democracy depends on people trusting constitutional institutions. He cited media reports of disagreements among Election Commission officials over decisions, electoral rolls and the ECINet platform, arguing that greater transparency was needed.
Jagan urged the Centre to amend the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023. He proposed restoring a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice of India. He argued that the appointment process must be perceived as neutral, saying transparency should be visible as well as practised. He also sought clarity on the addition, deletion and restoration of names in electoral rolls.
Jagan accused the ruling establishment in Andhra Pradesh of misusing its authority during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He also alleged that Opposition objections over the redrawing of local body divisions had been ignored. The former chief minister claimed that YSRCP candidates were being prevented from filing nominations. He said his party had submitted evidence to the SEC and planned to meet the Governor.
Jagan alleged that free and fair elections were difficult under the current dispensation. He demanded central security forces and CCTV surveillance throughout the election process. According to Jagan, the SEC assured him that anyone seeking to file a nomination would be given an opportunity. The allegations and the party’s demands have added to the political debate over electoral transparency and institutional accountability.
