Hyderabad, November 27, 2024* –
In a landmark series of legal battles, A. Paul Praja Shanti Party President, Dr. K. A. Paul, has taken decisive steps to safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens, protect public assets, and demand justice for the people of Andhra Pradesh. Three critical issues have dominated the legal landscape, with significant implications for the state’s future—election integrity, the protection of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and the long-awaited Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. K. A. Paul has raised grave concerns about election fraud and manipulation during the 2019 and subsequent national elections in Visakhapatnam. In a personal appearance before the court, Dr. Paul accused the Election Commission of India (ECI), Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), and the Visakhapatnam District Collector of failing to protect voters’ fundamental rights and disregarding court orders during the election process. He cited evidence of discrepancies, particularly in the dramatic and unexplained increase in votes for the BJP-TDP candidate, Mr. Bharat, who received an extraordinary 907,000 votes compared to previous election cycles.
Dr. Paul also highlighted the issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), calling them unreliable and accusing the Election Commission of using a system that has been rejected by over 180 democratic nations in favor of paper ballots. He stressed that the lack of transparency surrounding EVMs had led to widespread distrust in the election process, and called for a full investigation into the alleged irregularities.
The court has given time for the Election Commission and other respondents to submit counterarguments, keeping the door open for further judicial scrutiny.
Dr. Paul has been a vocal advocate for the protection of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, a national asset valued at $200 billion. During his legal proceedings, Dr. Paul raised serious concerns about the potential privatisation of the steel plant, which he believes would be detrimental to the public interest and economic welfare of Andhra Pradesh. He pointed to the history of asset sales in the country, including national institutions such as railways, airlines, and banks, arguing that such privatisations have harmed the broader public and economic stability.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has thus far maintained the status quo on the privatisation issue, extending its stay order and continuing to protect the plant from being sold off under the guise of privatization. Dr. Paul has vowed to continue his fight, emphasizing the vital importance of the steel plant to the state’s economy and the livelihoods of its people.
One of the most pressing issues for the people of Andhra Pradesh has been the promise of Special Category Status (SCS), which was made by the central government following the bifurcation of the state in 2014. Dr. K. Paul, in his legal petitions, has argued that the non-fulfillment of this promise has left Andhra Pradesh at a severe disadvantage, with a debt exceeding ₹15 lakh crore and a lack of sufficient investments and economic support.
SCS would provide key benefits to Andhra Pradesh, including tax exemptions for companies, the creation of millions of jobs, and financial relief to help the state recover from its debts. Dr. Paul has expressed his frustration with the BJP-led central government’s failure to deliver on this crucial promise, urging both the state and central governments to take immediate action. The Andhra Pradesh High Court has set December 11, 2024, as the deadline for the central and state governments to respond to Dr. Paul’s petition for the implementation of Special Category Status.
Throughout these ongoing legal battles, Dr. K. A. Paul has remained steadfast in his commitment to justice, transparency, and accountability. His efforts reflect his belief in the importance of upholding the democratic rights of citizens and ensuring that public institutions serve the interests of the people. He has also reiterated the role of the judiciary in providing a fair and impartial platform for addressing these critical issues.
Dr. Paul expressed his gratitude to the Andhra Pradesh High Court and the presiding judges for addressing these critical issues with fairness, transparency, and responsibility. He emphasized that these legal proceedings are crucial not just for Andhra Pradesh, but for the future of democracy and justice in India.
*Conclusion*
As Dr. K. Paul continues his fight for justice, he remains committed to defending the rights of the people of Andhra Pradesh and holding the government accountable for its promises. His legal efforts aim to ensure that the state’s resources, assets, and economic future are protected, while also demanding accountability in the electoral process.
The people of Andhra Pradesh look to the courts for resolution and hope that the legal system will provide them with the justice they deserve in these critical matters.
