The Model Code of Conduct is currently in force in Andhra Pradesh as the state prepares for local body elections. The campaign period for municipal elections is also set to end today. Meanwhile, the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders of violating election rules by using social security pension distribution to influence voters.
The YSRCP has alleged that ruling coalition leaders are intimidating elderly people, persons with disabilities and other pension beneficiaries in rural areas. The party has also released evidence to support its allegations, claiming that beneficiaries are being threatened with the cancellation of their pensions if they do not vote for the ruling alliance.
TDP Leaders Accused of Violating Election Code During Pension Distribution
Under the election Model Code of Conduct, government welfare schemes should not be used to influence voters. Pension distribution during elections is generally expected to be handled by authorised government employees to prevent political interference.
However, the YSRCP has alleged that local TDP leaders are personally visiting pension beneficiaries and distributing money despite the election code being in force. The opposition claims that some leaders are openly asking beneficiaries to vote for the ruling alliance in the upcoming elections.
Pension Beneficiaries Allegedly Threatened in Rompicherla and Amadaguru
The alleged incidents have reportedly come to light in several parts of Andhra Pradesh, including Rompicherla Mandal in Tirupati district and Amadaguru Mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district.
According to the YSRCP, local TDP leaders participated directly in pension distribution activities and allegedly threatened elderly and disabled beneficiaries.
The party claims that some beneficiaries were told to vote for the TDP’s bicycle symbol in the upcoming ZPTC and MPTC elections. They were allegedly warned that their monthly pensions would be stopped from the following month if they voted against the ruling party.
The YSRCP has strongly condemned these alleged threats, stating that poor and vulnerable people should not be forced to support any political party in exchange for government welfare benefits.
YSRCP Writes to State Election Commission
The YSRCP has expressed concern that pension distribution could be misused to influence voters during the local body elections.
The opposition party has requested the State Election Commission (SEC) to ensure that pensions are distributed exclusively through government officials. It has also suggested postponing the distribution until the completion of polling to prevent political parties from influencing beneficiaries.
The party has reportedly submitted a formal complaint to the election authorities regarding the issue.
YSRCP Demands Strict Action Against TDP Leaders
The YSRCP has alleged that election officials and the police are failing to prevent violations at the ground level. It claims that ruling coalition leaders are taking advantage of the situation by presenting government-funded pensions as personal financial assistance.
The opposition has urged the State Election Commission and district collectors to take suo motu action against those allegedly involved in violating election rules.
The party has demanded strict legal action, including the arrest of leaders found responsible for threatening pension beneficiaries and influencing voters.
The YSRCP has warned that failure to act against such alleged violations could undermine the credibility of the local body election process in Andhra Pradesh.
