Telangana BJP Implements Stricter Screening Process for Aspiring Candidates
In an effort to maintain transparency and weed out individuals with tainted backgrounds, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Telangana has introduced a stringent filtering mechanism for ticket aspirants. This new screening process requires prospective candidates to answer 18 specific questions related to their criminal history or any pending legal cases. The introduction of this first-cut filter comes as the state unit of the BJP initiates a deadline-based application process.
On the inaugural day of the application process, over 180 individuals submitted their applications, with candidates vying for the Secunderabad seat being the first in line. However, a majority of ticket seekers are waiting for auspicious days to try their luck.
The proforma used in the screening process consists of four sections, with the last section specifically pertaining to pending criminal cases and court sentences. In this section, candidates are required to provide detailed information about any pending cases, including the name and address of the police station, case numbers, and names of the court. Additionally, candidates must disclose the sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) under which they have been charged, as well as whether or not charges have been pressed. If a chargesheet has been filed, candidates must also provide dates on which the charges were framed and whether any appeals or revision pleas have been filed.
Furthermore, the BJP is seeking information on any convictions and the criminal history of ticket aspirants. Candidates must provide details such as case numbers, court names, relevant legal sections and codes, a brief description of the committed crime, dates of conviction, and whether or not an appeal has been filed against the conviction, along with its current status. This approach differentiates the BJP’s screening process from that of the Congress, which also requests details of legal cases from its ticket hopefuls.
Candidates are also required to furnish information about their social media accounts, their involvement with the party, and their current status within the organization.
To oversee this screening process, the BJP has formed a three-member screening team comprising former MLC Ranga Reddy, Subhas Chandar, and Dasari Mallesam. After the deadline for applications, a select few will be shortlisted and referred to national committees, which will ultimately make the final decision. A party member stated that the verification of credentials by the screening committee may take up to 10 days. On the first day alone, the BJP received 182 applications.
Notably, Ravi Prasad Goud, a prominent BJP leader, filed the first application for the Secunderabad assembly segment. This was followed by an application from Jagadish Prasad Shiv Shankar for Jangaon, while Saroornagar corporator Akula Srivani filed applications for four assembly segments. Sama Ranga Reddy has also entered the fray for the LB Nagar constituency.
As the BJP in Telangana establishes a strict filter mechanism for ticket aspirants, the party aims to present a clean and credible slate of candidates for the upcoming elections. By placing a strong emphasis on candidates’ criminal history and pending legal cases, the BJP is committed to maintaining the integrity and reputation of its candidates and ensuring a responsible and accountable political landscape.
