Amaravati, Oct 15: YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has called for electoral reforms to address problems in the election system and restore public confidence in the electoral process. He also expressed solidarity with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka following their arrests.
In a late-night post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Jagan said that addressing problems before they escalate is more effective than responding after they occur. He argued that the existing electoral system has shortcomings that need to be corrected.
Jagan said the arrests of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka would not resolve the underlying issues and could further increase tensions.
Reacting to Jagan’s post CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked the southern satrap’s support to the agitators.
Jagan Demands Changes to Election Commissioner Appointment Act
Jagan had earlier called for a review of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
He said the Central government should take steps to address concerns about the electoral system and restore confidence in the appointment process for Election Commissioners.
Jagan proposed amending the law to bring back the earlier appointment mechanism, under which a three-member committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India participated in selecting Election Commissioners.
The YSRCP had supported the 2023 legislation when it was passed. However, Jagan has subsequently called for changes to the law in the current political context.
Jagan Raises Concerns Over Electoral Roll Revision in Andhra Pradesh
The former Chief Minister also accused the ruling party of misusing its authority during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Andhra Pradesh. His remarks appeared to target the TDP-led state government.
Jagan’s comments have brought renewed attention to electoral reforms, the appointment of Election Commissioners and the revision of voter lists in Andhra Pradesh.
The debate highlights the importance of maintaining transparency in election-related procedures and ensuring public trust in democratic institutions.
