Naidu condemns EC decision on transfer of officials 'without any reason', appeals it to remain 'neutral'

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party leader Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday condemned the Election Commission's (EC) decision to transfer three officials "without any reason", while appealing it to remain "neutral, impartial and autonomous".

Terming the EC's decision as one-sided, he said, "We will fight against Chief Election Commissioner's decision at the national level. CEC taking one-sided decisions is not good for democracy."

"Election Commission transferred three officials without any reason. We condemn it. How can you take action based on YSRCP complaint?" he questioned while addressing a press conference.

Naidu threatened legal action against EC's decision, saying: "EC neither gave any notice nor did it ask for any explanation but directly transferred the officials. We will fight legally (against the decision)."

"DG intelligence looks after the security of CM. He is not concerned about elections," the Andhra Chief Minister added.

Naidu questioned as to why EC did not take any action on YSR Congress Party. "85 per cent of Form 7 applications for removal of votes are by YSRCP related persons. EC did not take any action, why?" he asked.

Naidu accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, and YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy of conspiring against Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly seats at stake, will go for simultaneous polling on April 11.