EC officials urged to help candidates to file papers properly

Heated arguments erupted between leaders of BRS and Congress party when the latter’s G. Niranjan brought the issue of Medigadda to the notice of the chief electoral officer (CEO) Vikas Raj here on Wednesday.

Vikas Raj had convened a meeting of all political parties at his office to discuss the polling and nomination process, which will end on Friday.

The leaders urged election commission officials to set up a help desk at all returning officers (ROs) offices to guide candidates on affidavits and nominations.

The meeting was attended by representatives from BRS, Congress, BJP and CPM.

The RO's decision is final when it comes to accepting or rejecting nomination papers and no higher authority, including ECI, can interfere. The RO is responsible even when issues are taken to courts.

"There will be a huge rush at RO offices for filing nominations in the last two days. We asked the CEO to give directions to ROs to set up help desks to



guide the candidates in filing nominations without any hindrances," Niranjan said.

BRS legal cell advisor Bharat Kumar stated that the candidates face difficulties in completing the forms and nomination papers and affidavits are being rejected mechanically by EC. He urged the CEO to give directions to ROs in extending support to candidates to make corrections in nominations and affidavits.

BJP legal cell’s Antony Reddy alleged that state government employees were working as BRS workers in clear violation of established rules. The BJP also sought an early distribution of voter's slips.

Election commission officials will provide a slotting system to all candidates, including independents, visiting the office of the returning officer to file their nominations in order to avoid rush. The last date for filing nominations is Friday. Keeping in mind the heavy rush in the last two days, the ROs have been asked to go in for slotting.