The Delhi High Court has cracked the whip on the Election Commission, ordering it to fast-track the registration of Telangana Praja Jagriti, the new political party spearheaded by K Kavitha. This development marks a crucial step for the prominent politician as she gears up for Telangana’s electoral battles.
During Thursday’s proceedings before Justice Amit Bansal, Kavitha’s counsel laid bare the ECI’s lethargy. Despite submitting a comprehensive application on January 23—complete with the party’s constitution from its January 19 founding meeting, member lists, affidavits, and fees—the commission had taken no steps like scrutiny, public notice, or hearings since acknowledging it four days later.
Labeling the delay as ‘capricious and unreasonable,’ the petition invoked constitutional breaches under Articles 14 (equality) and 19(1)(c) (freedom to form unions). Kavitha stressed the real-world fallout: her party couldn’t participate in ongoing local polls or upcoming assembly elections with its preferred symbol and identity.
A former BRS stalwart and daughter of ex-CM KCR, Kavitha quit the party last year over internal rifts and set her sights on constituencies like Siddipet or Bodhan. The court’s directive to expedite the decision brings relief, potentially reshaping Telangana’s political landscape ahead of key contests.
This case highlights broader concerns over ECI’s processing timelines, especially when political ambitions and voter rights hang in the balance. The poll panel now faces pressure to act decisively.