YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly criticised the police over alleged election irregularities in Pulivendula during the local body elections. He accused the Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government of undermining democracy by allegedly preventing voters from exercising their right to vote.
Speaking to the media in Pulivendula, Jagan alleged that Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders had taken control of polling stations and were stopping voters from casting their votes.
YS Jagan Alleges Irregularities at 70 Polling Booths
Jagan claimed that YSRCP polling agents were allegedly prevented from entering 70 out of the 80 polling booths in Pulivendula. He also alleged that bogus voting was taking place at several polling stations.
According to Jagan, TDP supporters had taken control of polling booths as early as 4 AM. He further alleged that police personnel were turning away people who came to cast their votes.
Questioning the fairness of the election process, he asked how such elections could be considered democratic when voters were allegedly denied their voting rights.
Police Fail to Respond to Election Complaints, Says Jagan
The YSRCP chief alleged that Superintendents of Police (SPs) and district collectors failed to respond despite repeated phone calls regarding the reported incidents.
He also claimed that YSRCP candidate Pramilamma was attacked during the polling process. According to him, voter slips were forcibly taken away, and people were sent back after being told that their votes had already been cast.
Jagan further alleged that councilor candidates were being forcibly arrested to disrupt the election process.
Media Cameras Allegedly Damaged at Polling Stations
Jagan accused certain groups of attacking media personnel and damaging cameras belonging to India Today and NTV while they were recording alleged election irregularities.
He claimed that similar incidents of voter intimidation and polling disruptions were reported from Jammalamadugu, Chittoor, Macherla, Tadipatri and Madanapalle.
YS Jagan Questions Police Role and SEC Arrangements
Jagan alleged that police personnel were failing to act against those involved in election-related violence, despite the incidents taking place in their presence.
He also criticised the State Election Commission (SEC), alleging that it had failed to implement Supreme Court directions regarding election monitoring and transparency.
Raising concerns over video recording and CCTV arrangements at polling stations, Jagan questioned how elections could be conducted fairly without the presence of YSRCP polling agents.
YSRCP Demands Repolling in Pulivendula
In view of the alleged irregularities, Jagan announced that the YSRCP would approach the Returning Officer and demand the cancellation of polling in Pulivendula and the conduct of fresh polling.
He maintained that voters must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or interference.
The allegations have intensified the political confrontation between the YSRCP and the ruling TDP-led coalition during the Andhra Pradesh local body elections. However, the claims made by Jagan and the YSRCP remain allegations, and their verification by the election authorities is awaited.
