Hyderabad: BRS Working President KTR recent comments have sparked outrage in political circles. Congress Minister Ponnam Prabhakar strongly criticised KTR, stating that bringing up the idea of giving Rs.5,000 per vote is an insult to the democratic process.
“Vote is a sacred right. Measuring it with money reflects a deeply degraded political culture. These remarks are nothing but indirect calls for vote buying” Ponnam lashed out.
Not limiting himself to just criticism, the Minister demanded immediate action from the Election Commission.
“We will file a formal complaint. But the EC should also take up this issue suo motu and register a case against KTR. Elections are not commodities to be sold” he said firmly.
“BRS introduced the culture of paying money for votes” — Ponnam
Ponnam Prabhakar also reminded the history of cash-for-votes in Telangana.
“Everyone in Telangana knows this. It was BRS leaders who started the culture of giving Rs.6,000 per vote during the Huzurabad by-election. Now they are again walking the same path. They have no moral right to talk about voters while reintroducing money politics” he said angrily.
Is democracy being distorted again with money?
The Minister emphasised that in every election, what matters is the voter’s mind, opinion, and choice — not money.
“Any party trying to influence voters with money is committing an offence. Whether directly through words, or indirectly through signals — it is still wrong. The EC must take this seriously” Ponnam demanded.