CEC says Chandrababu Naidu's vote valid
HYDERABAD: TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu found himself on a sticky wicket on Wednesday when he declared that he cast his vote for the BJP.
Chief electoral officer Bhanwar Lal had said initially that Naidu's vote would be invalid. But, by evening, he said that since the rules were old, no action could be taken which meant that Naidu's vote would be valid.
The electronic media stopped Naidu outside the polling booth and wanted to record his sound byte when he made the remark. He regretted his inability to vote for TDP though he was president of the party. 'I am not supposed to campaign here,' he said quickly.
Sources said that there was no rule prohibiting anyone from revealing whom he voted for. The EC can not cancel his vote, because of the use of EVMs. Now, with the use of EVMs, a vote, once cast, cannot be cancelled.
'Nothing can be done now. I have stated only the rule. The secrecy of voting should be maintained within the polling station limits,' Lal said.
TDP leaders rushed to the CEO in the evening and tried to explain that Naidu had not made any statement within the polling station but 200 metres away from the booth. Later in the night, EC sources said Naidu's vote would be valid. But they would inquire into his statement.
Meanwhile, Naidu dashed off a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding action against Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwar Lal.
Naidu alleged that Lal made irresponsible statements. 'The CEO told the media that my vote would be invalid on the grounds of violation of secrecy.
I strongly deny violating any secrecy of voting. His statements are not based on of acts or law, further he is not competent to take such action,' Naidu said.
The TDP chief requested the EC to take action against Lal and direct him to withdraw the statement.
News Posted: 1 May, 2014
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