EC directs inquiry on Kaushik Reddy suicide comments

EC directs inquiry on BRS candidate Kaushik Reddy's suicide comments. BRS MLA candidate Padi Kaushik Reddy's recent statements during the final day of the poll campaign for the Huzurabad Assembly constituency have sparked widespread discussion and concern. Kaushik, vying for electoral success, made a startling declaration that he would take an extreme step, specifically committing suicide, if he fails to secure the votes.

During his address, Kaushik outlined two contrasting scenarios for the aftermath of the elections. If victorious, he promised a celebratory rally on December 4, a day following the election results announced on December 3. Conversely, in the event of defeat, he forewarned of a funeral procession. Adding a surreal dimension to his remarks, Kaushik was joined by his wife and daughter, and he left the decision in the hands of the public, stating that it was their choice if they wished to witness their family taking their lives by hanging. "It’s up to you what you want. If you don’t vote for me, you will see our dead bodies," he proclaimed before the assembled crowd.

Kaushik, currently a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), made a final appeal to the electorate, urging them to grant him an opportunity to represent them in the Assembly following the November 30 elections. His emotional outburst, as perceived by some, has gone viral, becoming a significant topic of discussion in political circles. While some view Kaushik's comments as an expression of heightened emotions, others interpret them as explicit threats.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Election Commission has taken a serious view of Kaushik's statements. The Commission has instructed the returning officer to compile a report on Kaushik's remarks, acknowledging the need to assess the context and implications of such a declaration in the electoral process.

It is noteworthy that Kaushik had previously faced defeat in the by-elections against Etela Rajendar, who later switched allegiance from BRS to BJP. The historical context includes Kaushik's loss to Etela in 2018 when he contested under the Congress banner. In the current scenario, Kaushik is in direct competition with BJP's Etela Rajender and Congress candidate Vodithala Pranav for the upcoming elections. The Election Commission's intervention seeks to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process, addressing concerns raised by Kaushik Reddy's controversial statements.