In a startling turn of events, the Telangana Pharmacists Associations Joint Action Committee (JAC) has vociferously called for a thorough investigation by a sitting judge into purported irregularities surrounding the recently concluded pharmacy council elections in Telangana. The demand for an inquiry comes as a cloud of skepticism looms over the electoral process, raising concerns among pharmacists across the state.

The pharmacy council elections, conducted via postal ballot, took an unexpected turn when the authorities, initially slated to count the votes on the 10th of the previous month, decided to postpone the counting by a month, prompting widespread doubt and speculation among the pharmacists' community.

Of the 53,000 pharmacists registered with the council, a mere 20,000 participated in the postal ballot voting, with 7,000 ballots reportedly returned. Curiously, there has been a lack of transparency regarding the number of ballots dispatched and the subsequent returns, leaving room for ambiguity in the electoral process.

In a move raising eyebrows, individuals whose postal ballots were returned allegedly went to the authorities with their original certificates seeking the return of their ballots. Questions have arisen regarding the verification process of the pharmacists' signatures on the D form, along with the corresponding ballots, bringing into question the adherence to the Pharmacy Act.

The JAC, spearheaded by Sanjay Reddy, President of the Telangana Pharmacists Association, has further called attention to the absence of serial numbers on the ballot papers and demanded an explanation on whether this aligns with the provisions of the Pharmacy Act. Additionally, the committee seeks justification for the rejection of 6,500 out of the 20,000 postal ballots, emphasizing the need for transparency in the counting process.

Expressing profound doubt about the overall integrity of the pharmacy council elections, the JAC members have insisted on a judicial inquiry and threatened legal action if their demands are not met. They have also called for the examination of CCTV footage to ensure transparency in the electoral process.

As the controversy unfolds, the JAC urges the health minister and the chief minister to respond promptly, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and urging severe consequences for those found culpable of irregularities. The demand for a comprehensive inquiry, backed by scrutiny of CCTV footage, underscores the commitment of the Telangana Pharmacists Associations Joint Action Committee to upholding the sanctity of the electoral process in the pharmacy council elections.