The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has secured victories in several school committee elections in Pithapuram constituency, represented by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. The results have triggered a political controversy, with YSRCP leaders alleging that pressure was brought on officials to cancel some of the election results.
YSRCP Supporters Win in Pithapuram Schools
The school committee elections in Kodavali village of Pithapuram constituency witnessed a close contest. A YSRCP-backed candidate was elected as the committee chairman for the second consecutive time.
In Chendurthi, YSRCP-backed candidates were unanimously elected as chairpersons in two of the three schools where elections were held.
A closely contested election was also held for the Mandal Parishad Upper Primary (MPUP) School committee. YSRCP-backed candidate Siva Nageswara Rao defeated Jana Sena-backed candidate Nukaraju with a clear majority.
Allegations of Pressure on Officials
YSRCP leaders have alleged that some Jana Sena leaders were unhappy with the election results in Pithapuram, particularly because the constituency is represented by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
According to the allegations, Kakinada MP Uday Srinivas and Jana Sena district president Thummala Babu intervened following the results. YSRCP leaders claim that pressure was allegedly exerted on officials, resulting in the cancellation of election results in some schools.
The allegations have added a political dimension to what were otherwise school-level committee elections.
Political Row Over School Committee Elections
YSRCP leaders have criticised the alleged cancellation of the results, arguing that school committee elections should remain free from political interference. They have questioned the involvement of political leaders in local school-level elections.
The controversy has now brought Pithapuram school committee elections into the broader political debate between the YSRCP and Jana Sena.
The allegations regarding pressure on officials and cancellation of results are claims made by YSRCP leaders. Further clarification from the concerned education authorities and Jana Sena leaders would be required to establish the circumstances surrounding the cancellations.
