Kadapa polls rigged: Congress spokesman

In a candid admission that could seriously embarrass the ruling Congress, its spokesman N Tulasi Reddy said here today that only those candidates, who could rig, win elections in Kadapa district –– the home district of no less a person than Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy.

Speaking at a meeting organised by the Liberty Institute, he said, "in fact, all the winning candidates there owe their victory to rigging. All parties are searching for contestants who can rig polls in Kadapa district." He made these comments in the presence of Chief Electoral Officer IV Subba Rao. The Congress spokesperson further observed, "I have been involving myself in election process since 1983.

Earlier, candidates used to purchase voters wholesale by constructing churches or temples. Now, they are purchasing individual voters." When a participant sought to know if they were his personal observations or those of his party, Tulasi Reddy failed to reply prompting the other speaker, Lok Satta leader Jayaprakash Narayan, to quip: "As a party spokesman, his mind speaks. On occasions like this, his heart speaks."

Courtesy: Andhra Rajakeeyam.