YSRCP seeks action against ‘My TDP’ app over alleged voter data collection

Vijayawada: YSRCP general secretary Lella Appireddy and party legal cell president Manohar Reddy demanded immediate action against the Telugu Desam Party’s ‘My TDP’ mobile application, alleging that it was being used to collect sensitive voter information.

The leaders met chief electoral officer (CEO) Vivek Yadav on Monday and submitted a representation.Speaking to the media, YSRCP leaders alleged that the application was collecting details, including caste information and past voting preferences of voters, which they said could impact the secrecy of the ballot and the conduct of free and fair elections. They urged the CEO to examine the issue and take necessary action.

The party also alleged that electoral rolls containing voter photographs and other details were being accessed and used by party functionaries for political profiling.The representation submitted to the CEO included screenshots of the application and supporting documents related to the alleged collection of voter data. Lella Appireddy said that transparency should be maintained throughout the special intensive revision (SIR) process.

They requested that the progress of the SIR exercise be updated daily on the official website, with live or day-wise reports on the number of households covered and enumeration status at mandal and district levels.The YSRCP leaders also sought authentication of identity cards issued to booth-level agents (BLAs) nominated by recognised political parties. They suggested that BLA identity cards should carry an official govt seal and signature of the competent authority to prevent the use of fake or unauthorised representatives during the revision process.

They appealed to the election authorities to ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process and protect the integrity of democratic elections.

The representation was also marked to the Election Commission of India.Earlier, YSRCP leaders staged a dharna in the secretariat when police objected to their media briefing. Appireddy fumed at the police for trying to suppress their voice. He said that they had obliged the police's suggestion to address the media in another block, but they repeatedly obstructed them from explaining the contents of their complaint made to the CEO.