State Election Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena had given written instructions to all district collectors and district election officials not to involve village and ward volunteers in any election-related work.
The instructions clearly mentioned that Volunteers should not be used for voters enrollment and voter card – aadhar linking as well. Volunteers should not be allowed as agents for candidates in the elections as well.
Returning and assistant returning officers are instructed to take necessary steps in that regard. Jagan Mohan Reddy brought the volunteers system and they have become more powerful than MLAs and other people’s representatives in many areas.
Also, they are crucial in disbursing welfare schemes to the people in their purview and so they have good chance of influencing voters. They are YSR Congress appointees and can work for the party. So they are barred from election duties.
Opposition parties should ensure that these rules are strictly followed in the upcoming election.
