YSRCP president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has lodged a complaint with Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, alleging that Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers are preventing YSRCP candidates from filing nominations for the Andhra Pradesh local body elections. He met the Governor at Lok Bhavan on Sunday evening and explained the alleged incidents of attacks, threats and disruptions during the nomination process.
Jagan said the party had already submitted a complaint to the State Election Commission (SEC). He urged the Governor to intervene and ensure that local body elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
YS Jagan Alleges Attacks on YSRCP Candidates
Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor, Jagan expressed concern over the democratic situation in Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was allowing opposition candidates to be obstructed because the ruling party was uncertain about its electoral prospects.
According to Jagan, nominations were not filed in eight municipalities, while nomination papers submitted in another eight places were allegedly torn up. He questioned how elections could be conducted fairly if candidates were facing such difficulties even before polling began.
The YSRCP chief also accused the State Election Commission of acting in favour of the ruling party and called for measures to protect opposition candidates.
Nomination Process Disrupted in Kadapa District
Jagan alleged that YSRCP candidates faced obstacles while filing nominations in several areas of Kadapa district, including Pulivendula, Proddatur and Kadapa.
He cited alleged disruptions affecting nominations for 16 wards in Pulivendula, 19 wards in Proddatur and 54 wards in Kadapa. He further claimed that candidates were prevented from filing nominations for chairperson and councillor positions in Yerraguntla, Kamalapuram and Rayachoti.
In Rajampet and Badvel, chairperson candidates reportedly filed their nominations, but nominations for ward positions were not submitted, according to Jagan. He also alleged that nominations were not filed for the chairperson post and 25 wards in Darsi.
YSRCP Alleges Violence in Pulivendula and Tadipatri
The former Chief Minister also raised concerns over alleged attacks and violence during the local body election nomination process.
He claimed that the nomination process for four wards was obstructed in Tadipatri in Anantapur district. Jagan further alleged that YSRCP leaders were injured in attacks and knife-related incidents in Kadapa district.
According to his statement, three people were injured in police firing in Pulivendula. The allegations have raised concerns about the safety of candidates and the conduct of the local body elections.
Jagan Seeks Governor’s Intervention
Jagan said he had brought the alleged irregularities and incidents of violence to the Governor’s attention and requested immediate action to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
The YSRCP has called for a fair nomination process and effective intervention by the election authorities. The allegations centre on whether opposition candidates can participate in the local body elections without intimidation or obstruction.
The claims made by Jagan and the YSRCP concern alleged election-related misconduct. Independent verification and responses from the TDP, the police and the State Election Commission would be necessary to establish the facts.
