The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a strong censure against Forest Minister Konda Surekha for her misconduct, particularly for making unsubstantiated allegations regarding phone tapping and leveling charges against the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and its working president, KT Rama Rao. The ECI has also warned her to exercise caution in her public statements during the ongoing Model Code of Conduct. Former BRS MLC Karne Prabhakar and Spokesperson Dasoju Sravan lodged complaints with the ECI regarding the Forest Minister’s allegations during a press conference on April 1. The Minister’s accusations included claims that KT Rama Rao was blackmailing actresses and putting officers in jeopardy of losing their jobs and facing imprisonment. The ECI’s order highlights the importance of political parties and leaders refraining from making false statements aimed at misleading voters. The ECI reminded Konda Surekha of her role as a Star Campaigner of the Congress party in the current Lok Sabha elections and emphasized that her remarks violated the Model Code of Conduct, potentially tarnishing the image of opposing political parties or candidates.
