*Election Commission must address concerns and restore public confidence: Sailajanath*

Tadepalli: Former minister and senior YSRCP leader Dr Sake Sailajanath said the concerns being raised over the functioning of the Election Commission must be addressed transparently to safeguard public confidence in democracy.

Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office, he said Article 324 gives equal status and powers to all three Election Commissioners. Reports that fellow Commissioners had raised objections to certain decisions concerning ECINet and electoral rolls required a clear explanation from the Election Commission, he said.

Referring to the 2024 Andhra Pradesh elections, Sailajanath said the polling percentage was reported as 76.50% at 11.45 pm on May 13 but was later revised to 81.66%. He sought clarification on how 17,19,482 additional votes were included in the final figures. He also sought answers regarding the disposal of VVPAT slips and the non-release of webcasting footage.

Reiterating YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s stand, he called for a review of the 2023 appointment law and restoration of a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and Leader of the Opposition.

Sailajanath also raised concerns over the deletion of voters’ names and the proposed use of outdated rolls for local-body elections. He said YSRCP would pursue these issues democratically and legally until complete clarity was provided.