Congress blames EC for Palair defeat

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) Vice-President Dr. Mallu Ravi has blamed the Election Commission for its defeat in the Palair Assembly by-elections.

Speaking to media persons at Gandhi Bhavan on Thursday, Mallu Ravi said that the Election Commission has failed to take action against the misuse of official machinery and flow of liquor and money by the ruling TRS during campaign for Palair Assembly by-elections. He alleged that TRS candidate and R&B Minister Tummala Nageshwara Rao misused his position to influence the voters. He also alleged that Tummala intimidated voters and resorted to booth capturing to win the by-polls.

Mallu Ravi said that the Congress party accepts the people's verdict in Palair by-elections. However, he said that the AICC and TPCC should review the factors responsible for party's dismal performance in Palair. He said continuous defeats in elections might lead to demoralisation of party cadre. Therefore, immediate corrective steps should be taken, he said.