The transfer orders of AP Panchayati Raj Department officials by the state government have been rejected by the SEC Nimmagadda Ramesh when the local body polls are in a critical stage. It is known that the AP Government had announced the transfer of Panchayati Raj Secretary Gopal Krishna Dwivedi and Panchayati Raj Commissioner M Girija Shankar. However, the proposal has been dismissed by the State Election Commissioner Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar who opined that it was not right to transfer key officials when the election process has already begun. The SEC also pointed out saying that in case the state government wishes to change any of the officials then it must be done strictly in accordance with the procedures related to the elections.
Behind the transfer of key officials
Political analysts feel that a larger strategy exists behind the transfer of key officials at a time when the local body polls are in a critical stage, with the election notification being announced. Now, the government believes that except senior officials, the newly appointed officials are failing to conduct local body polls. In this scenario, the government by shifting two key officials wants to shift the blame on the SEC. However, the suspense related to the transfer of officials still continues.
Who issued the transfer?
The State Election Commissioner is of the view that the YSRCP Government issued the transfer of key officials from the Panchayati Raj Department. On the contrary, Minister for Panchayati Raj & Rural Development Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy announced that they aren’t concerned over the number of officials being transferred. Does this mean the government did not issue the transfer orders? Meanwhile, the Election Commission cannot directly transfer the officials and instead needs to request the Chief Secretary for the same. However, the remarks of Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy has led to speculation among the public that SEC Nimmagadda is the reason behind the transfer of EC officials.
