On Thursday, the Andhra Pradesh government suspended K Venkata Rami Reddy, president of the state secretariat employees' association, following directives from the Election Commission of India.
Reddy, currently serving as a section officer in the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development department in the role of assistant secretary, faced suspension for openly campaigning in support of the YSR Congress party, led by Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Government orders stated that complaints were lodged against Reddy for his involvement in the election campaign on behalf of the YSRCP.
Media reports also indicated that he held meetings with RTC Employees in RTC depots of Badvel, Mydukur, Proddatur, and Kapada, alongside RTC union leader C Chandraiah, and campaigned for the YSRCP, thereby violating the Model Code of Conduct.
An inquiry conducted by the District Election Officer of Kadapa confirmed the allegations against Venkata Rami Reddy.
Consequently, disciplinary action was recommended to the government for his campaigning for the YSRCP, which violated the APCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and the Model Code of Conduct.
"Therefore, the government has decided to place Venkata Rami Reddy under suspension with immediate effect, and he shall remain under suspension until the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings," the order stated.
During the suspension period, Reddy has been instructed to remain at the headquarters and is not permitted to leave without prior permission.