EC order mala fide: TDP on transfer of 3 IPS officials in Andhra Pradesh

Two days after three IPS officers were transferred by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for allegedly working in favour of TDP, party's senior leader K Ravindra Kumar on Thursday termed the order mala fide and illegal.

"The order of ECI is mala fide and is not within legal parameters. On the day YSRCP MP approached the commission, I and my colleague went to them and requested not to act on some false representation," Kumar told ANI.

Kumar's remarks came after the ECI on Tuesday transferred three IPS officers in Andhra Pradesh following YSRCP leaders allegations that the officers were working in favour of Naidu-led TDP.

The ECI issued orders transferring Intelligence Director General AB Venkateswara Rao, Kadapa Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahul Dev Sharma and Srikakulam SP Venkata Ratnam.

The ECI in its order stated that the immediate subordinates of the three officers would take charge.

It also directed the officers not to take-up any election-related duty.

Kumar also alleged that the orders were issued without any notice or report from the Chief Secretary.

Substantiating his stance, Kumar added: "The commission is working at the behest of the central government and is influenced by (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi and (BJP President Amit) Shah."

The election to 175-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly is scheduled to be held on April 11 simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.