The Cash for Vote Scam which took place in Telangana five years ago has taken another turn. It appears that the Pastor Jerusalem Mathaiah, who turned the approver in this case, was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate. However, political parties have expressed doubts over the trial in the case especially with Jerusalem Mathaiah who had initially claimed innocence, turning approver in the course of investigation by the law enforcement agency. In fact, the ED usually investigates cases wherein money laundering happens and this aspect pertaining to the case needs to be ascertained. While a campaign on the other hand sends out a clear signal of Centre’s interference.
Leaked out to media
First of all, no one knows what Pastor Jerusalem Mathaiah told the Enforcement Directorate during the trial. Also, the Enforcement Directorate cannot be questioned, nor has Mathaiah revealed about the interrogation details. Now, according to media reports, Mathaiah has given key information to ED in the case and that Revanth Reddy and former AP CM Chandrababu Naidu were the masterminds in the case. Well, the truth behind such reports needs to be ascertained.
Considering the recent developments in the case, ten days earlier, Jerusalem Mathaiah who is the A4 accused in the case, informed the Human Rights Commission about the threat to his life from Revanth Reddy and sought protection. Now Mathaiah, who had been the administrator in the case, played a crucial role by assisting then nominated Anglo Indian MLA Elvis Stephenson. In the 2015 MLC elections, an agreement was reached with Stephenson for ₹ 5 crores to ensure the victory of the TDP candidate Vem Narender Reddy. It is alleged that ACB had arrested Revanth Reddy when he had arrived to pay an advance of Rs 50 lakh to Stephenson. The case has been under investigation since the incident.
The case has now come under political scrutiny at a time when Revanth Reddy’s name has been considered for the post of TPCC president. Now, the ruling parties in both Telugu states and the BJP at the Centre are not in favour of Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from Malkajgiri. At the same time, the name of Chandrababu, who revolted against the Centre is also in the case.
Phone tapping issue
Interestingly, another case too was registered at the same time. The main allegation is that the ruling TRS government had tapped the landline of AP CM Chandrababu Naidu while he was staying in Hyderabad. It was argued at the time that tapping phones were a grave issue than the ACB case because it is a violation of the constitution and that it deprives individuals of their liberties and freedom. It was also speculated that the TRS government was reluctant towards cash for vote scam, as they feared the phone tapping case would be filed against them. However, it is debated that these cases come to the fore based on political developments.
A-3 Udaya Uday Sinha arrest
Uday Sinha, the third accused in the same case, was recently arrested by ACB officials as a non-bailable warrant was issued against him for his failure to appear in court.
