Watch video: Jagan Reddy's party MLA smashes EVM to ground; ECI initiates probe

New Delhi: In a startling development, the Election Commission has initiated a probe against Andhra Pradesh MLA P Ramakrishna Reddy from the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) following allegations of vandalising electronic voting machines (EVMs). The incident reportedly occurred on May 13, and a video capturing the act has surfaced online.

Serious Allegations Lead to Swift Action

The Election Commission announced on Tuesday that it is taking the allegations seriously. "Sitting MLA P Ramakrishna Reddy was recorded on web camera vandalising EVMs in PS No. 202 and seven other polling stations in Macharla Assembly Constituency," the Chief Electoral Officer of Andhra Pradesh stated. The poll body has provided the video footage to state police to assist in the investigation.

A YSRCP MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy broke into a polling booth and destroyed EVM.

This whole incident caught on booth camera in Andhra Pradesh.

This level of frustration is in opposition parties. They know that they are loosing elections so they are loosing it 🙂 pic.twitter.com/XT6YTA4LJa

— Sunanda Roy 👑 (@SaffronSunanda) May 21, 2024

MLA named in investigation

Officials have confirmed that Reddy's name has been included as an accused in the ongoing investigation. The Election Commission has directed CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena to ensure that the Director General of Police (DGP) takes strict action against those involved.

Opposition demands justice

Nara Lokesh, National General Secretary of the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has vehemently criticized the incident. He accused the MLA of resorting to vandalism out of fear of electoral defeat. Sharing a video of the alleged incident on social media platform X, Lokesh stated, "YS Jagan Mohan Reddy not only killed his own uncle but also the people who voted for him and, finally, democracy itself. YCP MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy vandalised the EVM at the Palwai Gate polling centre in the Macharla Constituency."

Call for accountability

Lokesh has demanded stringent action from the Election Commission. "I demand that the Election Commission take strict action against Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, who vandalised EVMs and attacked them out of fear of defeat. People are going to give a real verdict on YCP's factional politics on June 4," he wrote.

Backdrop of violence

The incident adds to the tension following the May 13 elections in Andhra Pradesh, which witnessed widespread violence post-poll. The state voted in a single phase to elect its MPs and MLAs.