In a week from now, controversial state election commissioner of Andhra Pradesh Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar will be relinquishing his office, ending his most turbulent period of his life.
Till Tuesday, Nimmagadda had been under pressure from the the Jagan Mohan Reddy government on the conduct of the elections to the mandal parishad and zilla parishads before the end of his term.
But the high court came to his rescue and declared that it was the prerogative of the SEC to decide on the schedule of the conduct of elections and therefore, the courts cannot interfere in such matters.
A relieved Nimmagadda gave a parting message to the government on Wednesday, stating that he was demitting the office with a clear record of fulfilling the mandate which the SEC hoped for.
He said he had to weather several unexpected legal challenges during the course of his period. Since the high court has endorsed the unanimous election of several MPTCs and ZPTCs, he said the SEC would follow the same and all further enquiries would be terminated forthwith.
“However, the contestants as well as political parties are open to approach the Collector and District Election Authority and submit in writing such of their legitimate grievances vis-a-vis the mala fides of the Retuning Officers. During the inquiry, if any lapses which are intentional are found, the Collector concerned will recommend to the Commission departmental action under CCA Rules,” he said.
With regard to resumption of the adjourned election process, Nimmagadda said the SEC would strictly follow the provisions of the judgment of the Supreme Court of March 18, 2020, according to which Model Code of Conduct for the elections shall be reimposed four weeks before the date of polling.
Since it required four weeks’ time to enforce model code of conduct, the resumption of elections for MPTCs and ZPTCs will be done only after four weeks. So, he ruled out holding of elections under his charge as his tenure was coming to an end shortly.
“These responsibilities are best shouldered and addressed by my successor. Under these compelling circumstances the Commission will not be announcing a schedule in case of MPTC/ZPTC elections,” he said.