Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has outlined the Telugu Desam Party’s position on the Election Commission amid political debate over electoral procedures and allegations surrounding electronic voting machines. Speaking at a conclave organised by a national media channel, Lokesh said the TDP had approached the commission for clarification whenever it had concerns.
Asked whether the party would join the opposition in questioning the Election Commission’s integrity or support the position of the BJP-led government, Lokesh focused on the TDP’s experience of seeking answers through official channels. His remarks indicated that the party considered its questions about the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, process to have been addressed.
Lokesh Says EC Addressed TDP’s SIR Concerns
According to the supplied report, Lokesh said the TDP had raised doubts about the SIR procedure with the Election Commission and received explanations. He argued that political parties should examine electoral processes and seek clarification when questions arise.
Lokesh also criticised opposition parties for attributing electoral defeats to the commission and the voting system. His comments presented the TDP’s approach as one based on checking procedures and engaging with the electoral authority.
The report noted that the TDP had previously expressed concerns about the electoral system while it was in opposition before the 2024 elections. It also referred to the party’s grassroots electoral roll verification exercise, undertaken to examine voter lists and address discrepancies or doubts.
That background gives context to Lokesh’s latest remarks: the party had questions about electoral administration, but he said its engagement with the commission provided the answers it sought.
Lokesh Questions Opposition’s EVM Allegations
Addressing allegations of EVM manipulation, Lokesh pointed to Congress victories as part of his argument against claims that voting machines are systematically rigged. He questioned how opposition parties could secure electoral wins under the same system they criticised.
His remarks conveyed confidence in the Election Commission’s procedures. However, that assessment represents Lokesh’s stated political position; the supplied report does not independently examine the wider allegations or the commission’s responses to individual complaints.
The comments clarify the TDP’s stance at a time when electoral roll revision, voting technology and institutional accountability remain subjects of political disagreement. Lokesh’s central message was that the party had pursued its concerns with the Election Commission directly and was satisfied with the explanations it received.
