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Naidu pumping Bad Money into Horse-trading

Jinka Nagaraju
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Naidu pumping Bad Money into Horse-trading

Opposition leader in Andhra Pradesh Assembly YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wondered how TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu clings to the post of chief minister despite his direct involvement in the cash-for-vote scam. Jagan worked more hard than any TRS leader to get Naidu implicated in the cash for vote scam as accused number 1 or 2. He rushed to New Delhi, met President Pranab Mukhejee and Home Miniser Rajnath Singh and submitted memoranda to this effect. He also demanded a high level inquiry by a central agency.

However, both parties in the cash-for-vote scam seems to be withdrawing slowly from the warpath. So, Jagan has chosen to tour Andhra Pradesh.The opposition leader is in Kakinada on Odarpu Yatra to console the families of those fishermen who died recently in cyclone. Jagan accused chief minister of spending the ill-gotten wealth for horse trading in Telangana State.

He said the fiver crore offer to a Telangana nominated MLA was stands testimony to the money politics Naidu was going to unleash in Andhra and Telangana. “It is unprecedented in the history of the country for a Chief Minister to involve directly in a bribery case involving crores of rupees to buy a vote of an MLA,” he said.“I fail to understand,” he said, “though there were audio visual proofs of the involvement of Chandrababu Naidu in the scam, as to why he is not being arrested and Chandrababu Naidu has no moral right to continue as Chief Minister,” he said. “Chandrababu Naidu has preached morals and ethics and demanded for the recall of the Governor. When he and his follower were caught on the video tape the tune suddenly has changed. He has no moral right to continue in the office,” Jagan said. (jnr)

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EC Seeks Day-to-day Update on Cash-for-vote Case

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Election commission of India(ECI) is keen on knowing the progress of investigation into the cash-for-vote scam that is rocking the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana following the arrest of TDP MLA Revanth Reddy.

The commission has reportedly instructed Banwarlal, the Chief Electoral Officer of Andhra and Telangana, to keep it posted with the progress of the investigation on day-to-day basis.

The commission is taking the case as a model one as it is for the first time that an MLA was arrested while offering money to another MLA to influence his voting and a chief minister of another state is involved. Even though cash-for-vote scams are not uncommon, catching the MLA red-handed has never happened in history of Independent India, said a senior functionary with the ECI.

“This is going to be a model case for us. We are closely watching the case and its investigation. Everything depends on the outcome of the ACB court,” the functionary told Telugu360.com.

The election commission has filed petition in the court urging it to provide information regarding the cash-for-vote scam.

However, ACB denied it stating that it could part with information only after court decides on the case.

Regarding the disqualification of the MLAs involved in the crimes, the EC sources said, ” the  disqualification is made automatic after the court conviction. A  2013 Supreme Court judgment made the disqualification automatic after conviction of the MLA by the court,” the sources said.

Meanwhile, the commission directed the district collectors and respective political parties ensure that all MPTC ( Mandal Parishat Territorial Constituency) member from leaving district without permission in the run up to the Election to the Legislative Council of Andhra Pradesh. Commission also asked the collectors to keep watch on the activities of political parties in order prevent holding of MPTCs in camps. The commission informed the parties that the expenditure incurred in running the camps would be added to the election expenditure and initiate steps to disqualify the members if it is found exceeding the limits.

Election commission issued these instructions following the complaints from YSR Congress against TDP’s attempts to buy it MPTC members with money in Prakasham and Nellore districts. YSRC alleged that TDP was buying the MPTCs by offering upto Rs 3 lakh per vote in the on going Legislative Council election. The polling is scheduled on July 3, 2015

 

 

 

 

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Cash-for-Vote Scam: HC Reserves Judgment on Revanth’s Bail Plea

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Cash-for-Vote Scam: HC Reserves Judgment on Revanth’s Bail Plea

[dropcap]H[/dropcap]igh Court of Hyderabad has reserved its judgment on bail plea of the main accused in the cash-for-vote scam, Revanth Reddy to June 30. While Revanth’s advocates said that main investigation into the case is over and that he can be granted bail as he’s a public representative.

The advocate general of Telangana state, who is arguing on behalf of ACB, said that bail shouldn’t be granted to Revant Reddy. The lawyers have also said that source of the amount involved in the cash-for-vote is yet to be ascertained. In case, bail is granted to Revanth Reddy, he can tamper with the evidences and can influence the witnesses in the case, argued ACB. It may be recalled that Revanth Reddy was arrested 25 days ago by ACB after they allegedly caught him redhanded while striking a criminal deal with a nominated MLA to Telangana assembly–Elvis Stephenson.

(Phani B) 

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Can’t Make Sealed Cover Report Public

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ACB court, which is trying the infamous cash-for-vote scam, has made it clear that it can’t reveal the contents in the report that was submitted by FSL in connection with this case. The court has further said that the report, which was submitted in sealed cover, can’t be made public. The court told this to ACB (Anti Corruption Bureau), which is probing the scam. However, ACB officials can move a memo in the court to get the duplicate copy of the preliminary report of FSL, said the court. It further stated that it will decide whether or not to give the duplicate copy only after a careful examination of memo.

It may be recalled that ACB earlier directed FSL in Hyderabad to look into the audio tapes that are alleged to be of TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu. The tape contained alleged conversation between Babu and nominated MLA to Telangana assembly, Elvis Stephenson. While FSL is yet to submit its final report in the case, it however gave a preliminary report. The content of this report is not yet known. Nonetheless, it has been rival on the Internet that FSL reportedly ascertained that the voice in the audio tape was not fabricated.

It is known that cash for vote scam came to light recently when ACB conducted a sting operation and apprehended TDP MLA Revant Reddy from Telangana state for allegedly promising Stephenson a sum of five crore rupees, in case he votes for TDP candidate in MLC elections. The episode evoked public cry and Election Commission swung into action seeking a copy of FSL report from the ACB court.

More to follow.

(Phani B)

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Babu in Trouble: Court Directs Police to Slap Sedition Case

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Babu in Trouble: Court Directs Police to Slap Sedition Case

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu ended up in trouble for his statements that excites disaffection towards the Government of Telangana. Rangareddy Court in Hyderabad directed LB Nagar police to file sedition and criminal conspiracy case against Chandrababu Naidu.Accordingly, LB Nagar DCP filed IPC Section 124-A and 120-A of Indian Penal Code. While the former section deals with sedition, the latter deals with criminal conspiracy. Five others were slapped with similar sections in this case. The court, which heard the petition of an advocate, has given this direction to the police. The LB Nagar police said that they would soon submit a report on the same.

What did Chandrababu Naidu say?

In a recent television interview, after cash-for-vote scam broke out, Chandrababu Naidu said that it would be the last day of Telangana Government in case ACB (which is probing this infamous case) attempts to arrest him.

 What does Sedition mean?

If anyone makes any statement or sign or visible representation that attempts to bring disaffection towards the Government established by law in India, he/she will be liable to be punished with life imprisonment to which fine may be added to. It has to be mentioned here that Chandrababu’s statement that the government would fall will fairly attract this section. Any leader has the right to criticise political leaders and political parties but can’t speak anything against that will attempt to overthrow the government, said legal experts.

Criminal Conspiracy:

When two or more persons gather and discuss to conspire a plan to commit crime in near or far future, it can be termed as criminal conspiracy. The punishment for criminal conspiracy is capital punishment/death sentence or life imprisonment or rigorous imprisonment of two years to which fine may be added to. Chandrababu Naidu should now at least withdraw these disaffection statements in order to protect himself. While cash-for-vote itself is a bigger problem, the statement that it would be the last day of Telangana Government can be a final nail in TDP’s coffin.

(Phani B)

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EC to Crack Whip Against TDP?

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[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a major jolt to Telugu Desam Party, the Election Commission of India shifted its focus to the ongoing infamous cash-for-vote scam. EC on Thursday filed a memo in the ACB Court in Hyderabad seeking duplicate copy of the report submitted by FSL.

It may be noted that FSL on Wednesday submitted a preliminary report on the audio that’s alleged to be of Chandrababu Naidu. If ascertained that the voice is that of Chandrababu Naidu, TDP supremo might have to face legal consequences. It has to be mentioned here that cash-for-vote scam came to light when ACB sleuths apprehended TDP MLA Revant Reddy. The same night, media released the footage of the sting operation that showed Revant Reddy promising five crore rupees to nominated MLA to Telangana assembly, Stephenson, in case he votes for TDP candidate in MLC elections.

Days after that sting operation went viral, vernacular media aired the audio tapes that allegedly contained conversation between Chandrababu and Stephenson. While TDP said that the audio was fabricated and also said that the phones were tapped, Telangana Government stressed that telephone lines were not fabricated.  Now that Election Commission has also plunged into this activity, it might take an action against Chandrababu Naidu only if it’s proved that the voice in the audio is that of Chandrababu. The experts said that the action could be banning the political party or its supremo from contesting elections and exercising his vote.

Notably, Election Commission earlier took such strong decisions and Shiv Sena’s Bal Thackeray can be cited as an example as he was banned from exercising his vote for a period of six years for proving guilty in a communal violence case. How and when Election Commission is going to crack its whip against TDP has now become the talk of the town.

(Phani B)

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Cash-for-Vote: FSL Submits Preliminary Report

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Cash-for-Vote: FSL Submits Preliminary Report

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) which is looking into the authenticity of the alleged telephone tapes of TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu, has submitted its preliminary report to ACB court in Hyderabad.

The FSL reportedly mentioned that there the audio was not a fabricated one. In order to ascertain that the voice in the audio is that of Chandrababu Naidu, FSL needs to record the voice of Babu. So, FSL is likely to seek court to give permission for recording Babu’s voice.

Meanwhile, Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) which is probing cash-for-vote scam, has requested the court to give a copy of FSL findings. it may be recalled that vernacular media in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana recently aired the conversation between Chandrababu Naidu and nominated MLA to Telangana assembly, Stephenson. AP CID police even served notices to T News over the same episode.

On the other hand, High Court of Judicature of Hyderabad has deferred the hearing of the bail plea of TDP MLA Revant Reddy (accused number one), in cash for vote scam, to Friday. Notably, ACB filed a counter petition today praying court that bail shouldn’t be granted to Revant Reddy.

(Phani B)

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Raghuveera for CBI Probe Against Naidu and KCR

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Raghuveera for CBI Probe Against Naidu and KCR

APCC president N Raghuvira Reddy today urged governor to recommend the cash-for-vote and telephone tapping cases for a high-level inquiry by an organization like CBI or a sitting Judge.

As chief ministers of two states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were involved in the cases, they merit a central probe, he said in a letter written to ESL Narasimhan, who is the joint governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

He said both, AP chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar, were personally involved in the cases.

An impartial inquiry would be possible only when the governor assumes special powers under Section 8 of the State Reorganization Act-2014, he said in the letter.

 

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KCR Meets Governor, Elucidates Situation in State

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KCR Meets Governor, Elucidates Situation in State

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]elangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao met Governor ESL Narasimhan last night and elucidated the rumours that were rife on Section-8. The meeting, which went on up to an hour, was predominantly focussed on matters pertaining to Section-8 of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Also, KCR stressed that Section-8 and the ongoing infamous cash-for-vote were two different issues. Chandrababu was allegedly trying to link up these two things, he reportedly brought to the notice of Narasimhan.

It has to be mentioned here that attorney general’s alleged comments on Section-8 were doing rounds on social media after it was telecast on television channels. In the apparent comments, attorney general has said that Governor can look into cash for vote scam. He further mentioned that Narasimhan can direct police of two states to operate in Hyderabad. He has even said that ACB has all the evidences in cash-for-vote scam and that it would go ahead with probe.  Condemning the statements made by some AP leaders, KCR has said that no untoward incidents took place in Hyderabad and all those who reside in Hyderabad are Hyderabadis.

The legal experts are of the opinion that attorney general might have not made those statements as they say, there’s no mention of Andhra Pradesh in Section-8. Further, the sub-section(2) of the section states that the Governor needs to consult the council of ministers of Telangana state and can take an independent decision, they added.

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Cash-for-vote: ACB, Stephenson File Counter-Petitions in High Court

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[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he cash-for-vote scam seems to be a never ending episode. In a major development, nominated MLA to Telangana state, Elvis Stephenson has filed counter a petition in the High Court of Hyderabad against the Andhra Pradesh Government. In his counter petition, the nominated MLA prayed the high court to cancel bail given to Muthiah. Expressing his anguish over the alleged defence of Muthiah-the fourth accused in the infamous cash for vote scam-by Andhra Pradesh Government, Stephenson questioned, in his petition, as to how Andhra Pradesh public prosecutor can speak in defence of a key accused of a major scam.

ACB files counter-petition:

With Revant Reddy’s (accused number one in cash-for-vote scam) bail plea will come for hearing on Wednesday, ACB (which is probing the case) has filed a counter petition in the High Court.The ACB has mentioned that the investigation is at a crucial stage and Revant Reddy was key accused in the scam. It may be recalled that Revant Reddy moved High Court after ACB Court granted just a day’s interim bail (while he reportedly waited for a bail) recently in the wake of his daughter’s engagement.

(Phani B)

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Did Centre Ask Governor to Monitor Cash-for-vote Scam ? More Details

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Did Centre Ask Governor to Monitor Cash-for-vote Scam ? More Details

In what could be a politically inflammable action, Centre is said to have asked governor ESL Narasimhan to monitor the probe being done by Telangana ACB into the cash-for-vote scam.

ESL Narasimhan is the joint governor Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. At a time when Andhra Pradesh is insisting on investing of special powers enshrined in the Section 8 of Andhra Pradesh reorganization Act-2014 with governor and Telangana resisting it tooth and nail, any such directive from the Centre to the governor would make the political situation explosive in the two states.

The sensational news is carried by English news channel NDTV this afternoon.

[pullquote position=”left”]Raj Bhavan sources neither denied nor confirmed the reports and governments of  AP and Telangana chose not to react officially[/pullquote]

According to NDTV, Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi has advised governor Narasimhan to intervene in the dispute that arose between AP and TS out of a sting-operation into the cash-for-vote scam. The sting led to the arrest of TDP MLA Revanth Reddy.  Entrusting the responsibility of monitoring the case to governor means implementing the section 8 of Act. NDTV says governor Narasimhan had sought legal advice from the attorney-general and the latter advised the former to take control of the probe. It was a oral advice.

“The Governor has special powers under the Section 8 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, since the two states share the capital, Hyderabad, and two different police forces have jurisdiction in the city,” Rohatgi advised the Governor, according to NDTV.

Talking to Telugu360.com from New Delhi, TRS MP B Vinod Kumar expressed doubts about such instructions having come to governor from New Delhi.

“Its true governor can be instructed by the centre. Similarly, attorney-general can legally guide the centre and governor. But, as far as my knowledge goes, there have been no such orders from the centre,” Vinod said. But he did not deny the report flatly.

Raj Bhavan sources neither denied nor confirmed the reports and governments of  AP and Telangana chose not to react officially.

However, notwithstanding the reports of a patch up , AP and Telangana governments continued their efforts to gather solid evidence to prove their allegations against each other in the cash-for-vote scam and phone tapping issue.

AP CID police have reportedly summoned Telecom service providers to inquire into the phone tapping issue at Bhavanipuram Police Station in Vijayawada far away from insecure Hyderabad.

AP police had reportedly instructed them not to erase  call data of some important phone numbers that were allegedly tapped  in the past six months.

On other side,  AP DGP JV Ramudu held a meeting with the members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the phone-tapping issue in Hyderabad.

(JNR)

 

 

 

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Jyothula Nehru Slams Babu

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Jyothula Nehru Slams Babu

[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]SRCP leader Jyothula Nehru has lashed out at Andhra Pradesh chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Expressing his anguish over the alleged involvement of Andhra Pradesh police in protecting fourth accused (A-4) Muthiah in cash-for-vote scam, Nehru said that it was unfortunate to send DGP to governor over protection of Muthiah. Addressing the media at YSRCP office in Hyderabad, Nehru questioned as to why AP Government is involving in cash-for-vote scam, as the issue is between TDP and Telangana Government.

He has further said that people came to know about the facts in cash-for-vote scam and thus stopped believing in Chandrababu Naidu’s statements. Expressing his concern about farming, Nehru slammed Babu and said that the chief minister was exerting extra burden on farmers by doubling the water cess. It has to be mentioned here that YSRCP has been vehemently criticising Babu ever since this scam broke out. In fact, its supremo YS Jaganmohan Reddy (although on pilgrimage now) shifted his base to Delhi and met several key leaders to explain the alleged involvement of Chandrababu Naidu in cash-for-vote scam.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

Governor Can Look into Cash-for-Vote Scam: Attorney General

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Governor Can Look into Cash-for-Vote Scam: Attorney General

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ttorney General of India, Mukhul Rohatgi has given guidelines to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governor  ESL Narasimhan with regards to cash-for-vote scam.  Mr Rohatgi has said that governor will have all the authority–under Section-8 of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act—to look into the case. In an interview to a leading news channel, he has said that governor can ask police of both the states to handle law and order. It may be recalled that governor ESL Narasimhan has been reeling under alleged criticism from TDP leaders for not implementing section eight, especially after the infamous cash-for-vote scam hit the headlines.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

Governor Narasimhan Can Look into Cash-for-Vote Scam: Attorney General

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Governor Narasimhan Can Look into Cash-for-Vote Scam: Attorney General

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ttorney General of India, Mukhul Rohatgi has given guidelines to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governor  ESL Narasimhan with regards to cash-for-vote scam.  Mr Rohatgi has said that governor will have all the authority–under Section-8 of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act—to look into the case. In an interview to a leading news channel, he has said that governor can ask police of both the states to handle law and order. It may be recalled that governor ESL Narasimhan has been reeling under alleged criticism from TDP leaders for not implementing section eight, especially after the infamous cash-for-vote scam hit the headlines.

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

Cash-for-Vote: Investigation Underway as Per Law

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Cash-for-Vote: Investigation Underway as Per Law

Telangana state’s director general of police (DGP) Anurag Sharma has said that the investigation into the infamous cash-for-vote scam was going as per the law. Speaking to the media at Warangal, Anurag Sharma has mentioned that the forensic report-to ascertain the voice in audio tapes that were recently telecast on media-will reach the ACB in next two days. He has even mentioned that ACB will take care of the investigation.

It may be recalled that the Telangana police came under heavy criticism from TDP folks after Revant Reddy was arrested red-handedly by ACB. There were even allegations that the investigation was not being done as per the protocol. DGP today clarified on the same.

(Phani B)

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Leave Controversies to Law: Venkaiah Appeals to Telugu CMs

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Leave Controversies to Law: Venkaiah Appeals to Telugu CMs

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]early a month after Telugu chief ministers—Chandrababu Naidu and K Chandrasekhar Rao- apparently started off war of words over the infamous cash-for-vote scam, the union minister Venkaiah Naidu (who is often regarded as the statesman) has spoken on the issue.

Stressing on the need for peace, Venkaiah Naidu has said that the duo must now put all the controversies to rest. He said that they must stop shooting dialogues at each other. Instead, he said, KCR and Babu must leave all the controversies to the law of the land.

It may be recalled that Chandrababu Naidu came under heavy criticism after the arrest of his MLA from Telangana state, Revant Reddy. Babu, who held a public meet in Vijayawada shortly, took pot shots at KCR and said that even he had ACB. 

Coming down heavily on these statements, KCR said that even Lord Brahma wouldn’t save Chandrababu Naidu. According to experts, both the chief ministers must have refrained from personal statements when law was taking its own course of action. Today, Venkaiah Naidu too came out with similar opinion.

Let us truly hope that Telugu chief ministers will now at least put these controversies at rest and work together for the development of two states.

(Phani B)

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Stephenson’s Statement to Nail Naidu?

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Stephenson’s Statement to Nail Naidu?

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he cash-for-vote scam seems to be a never ending topic especially on television channels.  Barely a day after Andhra Pradesh police served notices on T News for allegedly telecasting AP chief minister Chandrababu Naidu’s alleged conversation with nominated MLA to Telangana assembly, Elvis Stephenson, a vernacular news channel claimed that it got the statement of Stephenson, which was recorded before a magistrate at Nampally Court in Hyderabad.

[pullquote position=”left”] In his statement to the court, Stephenson reportedly said that Chandrababu Naidu was the kingpin of the entire cash-for-vote scam.[/pullquote]

In his statement to the court, Stephenson reportedly said that Chandrababu Naidu was the kingpin of the entire cash-for-vote scam. He said that Mathaiah (one of the accused in the scam) visited Stephenson’s residence on May 28 and offered him a sum of two crore rupees besides an air travel ticket in case he accepts to refrain from MLC elections under MLA quota .

On May 29, Stephenson said that he wanted to deal with the key person in this episode after which he was told it was TDP MLA Revanth Reddy who handled it. It was then Stephenson approached the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) and DGP of Telangana state and gave a written complaint over the same.

On May 30, another two accused in the scam—Sebastian and Antony visited Stephenson’s residence while the former told Stephenson that he was sent by Chandrababu Naidu. Later in the noon 12, Revanth Reddy visited Stephenson’s residence. Stephenson informed the same to ACB, who installed cameras at nominated MLA’s residence.[dropcap][/dropcap]

On May 31,  Sebastian telephoned Stephenson and said he wanted to visit him along with Revanth Reddy, however, at a different location. Accordingly, Stephenson arranged for the meeting at his friend’s (Malcolm Taylor) place and also informed the same to ACB who installed cameras-this time- at Taylor’s residence. Later, in the evening Revanth Reddy and Sebastian visited Taylor’s residence with a bag  that contained 50 lakh rupees. It is known that the sting operation was later released to the media by unknown sources.

Notably, Stephenson even told the magistrate the person who connected him to Chandrababu Naidu was Harry Sebastian.

The experts said that this statement of Stephenson will apparently considered as a key evidence. Let us wait and watch when and how curtains will be drawn on this infamous cash-for-vote scam.

(Phani B)

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

Scribes in Telangana Protest Against Notices to T News

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Scribes in Telangana Protest Against Notices to T News

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith Andhra Pradesh police serving notices on a vernacular news channel, T News, journalists across Telangana state staged protests and held demonstrations against the act alleging that it was an attempt to curb the freedom of press. 

Notably, the Andhra Pradesh police-in its notice- stated that the news channel, T News, disturbed the public tranquility by telecasting Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu’s alleged telephonic conversation with Telangana’s nominated MLA, Elvis Stephenson. It may be noted that the police served notices based on complaint of an advocate from Vizag.The notice went on to mention that the programme that was aired on June 7 night affected the maintenance of public order, which violated Section-5 of Cable TV News Network Act. It may be recalled that T News had telecast the audio conversation between Babu and Stephenson shortly after the arrest of TDP MLA from Telangana region, Revanth Reddy.

[pullquote position=”left”] Indian Journalists Union’s (IJU) secretary general, Devulapalli Amar condemned the incident and said that none in the world has the authority to question the media of its sources. [/pullquote]

Is Cable TV News Network Act Applicable to TV Channel?

The matter that is being widely debated amongst journalists’ circle today is—whether Cable TV News Network Act can be slapped against a television channel, as the legal experts are of the opinion that this act shall be invoke only against cable television operation and that T News was a cable television operator but a news channel.

What are the possible sections that can be invoked?

The legal experts said that it would have been better and significant in case the following sections were invoked—IPC Sec499 (defamation), IPC Sec502 and IPC Sec120B (criminal conspiracy). They were apparently puzzled as to why these chose Cable TV Network Act. Was it an attempt that would presumably make KCR to strike a compromise deal with Babu, they questioned among themselves.

Attack on the media?

The journalists in Telangana region reacted vehemently to the notices that were served by the police against T News. A large number of scribes gathered outside the DGP office of AP Police in Hyderabad. The sources said that nearly 100 journalists were already taken into the custody.  Meanwhile, the Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU) secretary general, Devulapalli Amar condemned the incident and said that none in the world has the authority to question the media of its sources. Serving notices to media is an attempt to curb press freedom, he added.

BJP Jumps into Defence:

Telangana BJP president and MLA, Kishan Reddy has responded to the notices served on T news. He has said that BJP was not against the freedom of press. He, however, criticised KCR and Chandrababu Naidu for indulging in political war. 

It now looks like Chandrababu Naidu purportedly crossed swords with freedom of the press. How these cases can curtain press freedom is still a debatable issue.

(Phani B)

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

PIL Filed Over Cash-for-Vote

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PIL Filed Over Cash-for-Vote

[intro][dropcap]W[/dropcap]ash-for-vote scam rocking the entire nation, an advocate in Hyderabad has moved High Court and filed a public interest litigation (PIL)[/intro]

In the PIL, the advocate sought court to direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct probe into the infamous cash-for-vote scam, which is currently being investigated by the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) of Telangana state.

Further, he has prayed the court to ask Central Government to give specific guidelines with regards to Section-8 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2014.

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Jagan’s political tomfoolery in cash-for-vote scam

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Jagan’s political tomfoolery in cash-for-vote scam

It is pretty clear that the political heat between AP and TS governments is coming down.  An impression that things will be allowed to take their own course without any political influence with regard to the cash-for-vote scam and so called  phone-tapping charge by AP government is gaining ground. Not only have warring factions, TDP and TRS, fallen silent, the YSRC leadership which played in the sidelines has also stepped aside.  Centre took objection to the unsavoury remarks being made by AP ministers against Governor .  Finally, chief minister Naidu had to instruct his colleagues against attracting the wrath of Raj Bhvan. His office on Friday midday informed journalists about CM’s advisory to the ministers.

In whole drama, YS Jaganmohan Reddy, YSR Congress president and Opposition leader in AP Assembly, played a bit of tomfoolery.  Ever since the cash-for-vote sting tapes leaked to electronic media, it was Jagan who behaved like a man-possessed.

He thought the  cash-of-vote case was a great opportunity  to settle scores with  his bête noire chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and to send him to Chenchalguda jail, where the former Kadapa MP spent nearly one and half year.

He made more noise than any other politician in the state on cash-for-vote scam. He was more vocal in demanding that Naidu be made accused number one. He also demanded that Naidu should step down and face the probe. He also extended support to TRS government in Telangana to act quickly in arresting the AP chief minister. As if it was not enough he rushed to New Delhi and petitioned to the President Pranab Mukherjee and union home minister Rajnath Singh for a high-level probe in to Naidu’s role in cash-for-vote scam.

He lamented that Andhra Pradesh,under Naidu’s rule, had become a haven of corruption.

Jagan seems to have underestimated the depth of regional sentiment among the AP people following bifurcation of the state. His overt alliance with KCR, who is generally perceived as anti-Andhra, brought him disrepute among people of Andhra Pradesh. Chances are that he is seen as an ally of TRS in Andhra Pradesh, which does not augur well for his party.

 

 

 

Telugu360 is always open for the best and bright journalists. If you are interested in full-time or freelance, email us at Krishna@telugu360.com.

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