YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has raised serious concerns over the conduct of local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that irregularities, intimidation, and attacks took place during various stages of the election process, including nomination filing, scrutiny, and withdrawal.
Jagan criticised the TDP-led coalition government headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the State Election Commission, and the police department. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged violations and stressed that free and fair elections are essential for protecting democracy.
YS Jagan Highlights Supreme Court Intervention
Referring to the Supreme Court’s intervention following complaints from the YSRCP over difficulties in filing nominations, Jagan said that complaints from candidates who were allegedly prevented from contesting elections should be examined carefully.
He stressed the need for adequate security at nomination centres, CCTV surveillance, and equal opportunities for all candidates. According to him, these measures are essential to ensure transparency and fairness in the Andhra Pradesh local body elections.
YSRCP Raises Questions Over MPTC and ZPTC Nominations
According to figures shared by the YSRCP, MPTC nominations were not filed in 101 out of 659 mandals in Andhra Pradesh. The party also claimed that fewer than five nominations were recorded in another 70 mandals.
Jagan further alleged that problems affected the ZPTC nomination process in 227 mandals. The party has called for a detailed inquiry into these figures and the circumstances surrounding the nomination process.
Eight Types of Alleged Election Irregularities
Jagan accused certain officials and political opponents of attempting to influence the election process through eight alleged methods:
- Intimidating candidates to prevent them from contesting.
- Making preventive arrests and placing senior party leaders under house arrest.
- Blocking opposition candidates at nomination centres.
- Tearing nomination papers.
- Filing police cases against candidates and others who reported alleged irregularities.
- Rejecting nominations during scrutiny on questionable grounds.
- Threatening candidates with firearms and pressuring them to withdraw their nominations.
- Manipulating nomination withdrawals and other election-related records.
Jagan specifically alleged that the nomination withdrawal of YSRCP candidate Nagamani in Nandyal was recorded using a forged signature. He also raised concerns over alleged irregularities involving Balakrishna’s nomination for a chairperson post in Nagari.
These allegations require examination by the appropriate authorities.
Alleged Attacks on Women Candidates
The YSRCP chief alleged that women candidates faced intimidation and attacks in several areas, including Dharmavaram, Dachepalli, Tadimarri, Chapadu, Kanigiri, and Punganur.
He claimed that some candidates were threatened and that their nomination papers were forcibly taken away. Allegations involving attacks on women who were nine months pregnant have also raised serious concerns, according to the party.
Jagan also referred to an alleged attack on the vehicle of former Deputy Chief Minister K Narayana Swamy, the reported tearing of nomination papers inside a Returning Officer’s room, and the police arrest of MP YS Avinash Reddy.
He urged election officials and police personnel to perform their duties lawfully and without political bias.
YSRCP Questions Sudden Rise in Nomination Numbers
The YSRCP also questioned an increase in the reported number of nominations between October 21 and October 22.
According to figures cited by Jagan, MPTC nominations increased from 1,918 to 12,419, while ZPTC nominations rose from 192 to 900 during the period.
He sought an explanation for the increase and alleged that candidates were registered in the name of the YSRCP without the party’s official Form-A and Form-B documents.
The party also alleged that nominations were filed in its name in Kondapuram, Mylavaram, and Vemula mandals without its authorisation or official B-forms.
The YSRCP has called for verification of the nomination records and clarification from the officials concerned.
Jagan Seeks Supreme Court Monitoring of AP Elections
To address the alleged irregularities, Jagan called for the appointment of an amicus curiae under the supervision of the Supreme Court. He also demanded that officials facing allegations of political bias be removed from election duties.
Other demands include:
- Deployment of central forces wherever necessary.
- Stronger CCTV surveillance at nomination centres, polling booths, strong rooms, and counting centres.
- A transparent review of nomination filing, scrutiny, and withdrawal records.
- Appropriate legal action against those found responsible for violations.
- An independent examination of complaints involving intimidation, attacks, and alleged manipulation of nomination documents.
The YSRCP said it had prepared a digital document containing photographs and videos related to the alleged incidents. The party also announced plans to approach the courts and the National Human Rights Commission to seek action against those responsible.
Conclusion
The allegations raised by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy have intensified the debate over the conduct of local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. The YSRCP is demanding an independent investigation, stronger security arrangements, and judicial monitoring to ensure a fair electoral process.
The key issue is whether the complaints and supporting evidence will be independently examined and whether the authorities will take appropriate action wherever violations are established. The allegations remain claims made by the party and should not be treated as proven findings without independent verification.
