Amaravati, October 18: YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders have alleged attacks, tearing of nomination papers and obstruction of candidates during the nomination process for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. The party claimed that incidents were reported from several areas, including Punganur, Rajampet, Pulivendula, Tirupati and Rayachoti, and urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to take immediate action.
YSRCP leaders alleged that election officials and police had failed to ensure a free and fair nomination process. They demanded an inquiry into the reported incidents, action against the officials responsible and adequate security for candidates at nomination centres.
Lella Appi Reddy Submits Complaint to State Election Commission
YSRCP MLC Lella Appi Reddy said the party had brought incidents reported in Punganur, Rajampet and other areas to the attention of the State Election Commissioner.
He alleged that candidates faced obstacles while attempting to file their nomination papers and claimed that police used lathi charges and tear gas during the incidents. According to him, such actions undermine the democratic process and prevent candidates from exercising their right to contest elections.
Appi Reddy also criticised the authorities for allegedly failing to take adequate action over the Punganur incident. He said the party had submitted videos and other evidence related to the alleged incidents to the Election Commission in a pen drive.
The YSRCP leader urged the SEC to extend the nomination deadline and take action against police and revenue officials found responsible for obstructing candidates.
YSRCP Demands Probe into Torn Nomination Papers in Tirupati
YSRCP SC Cell state president TJR Sudhakar Babu alleged that election officials were delaying the process of accepting nomination papers.
He claimed that nomination papers held by MP Gurumoorthy were snatched and torn in Tirupati. He also referred to tensions during the nomination process in Pulivendula.
Sudhakar Babu demanded a comprehensive investigation into the alleged attack on the YSRCP office in Rayachoti, where vehicles were reportedly damaged. He also sought action against those responsible for the alleged attack on MP Mithun Reddy’s convoy in Punganur.
The YSRCP leader called for an inquiry into the role of Kurnool DIG Koya Praveen and police officials in the districts concerned. He said officials found to have acted with bias or negligence should be removed from election duties.
He further demanded equal opportunities for candidates of all political parties and asked the Election Commission to publicly disclose the action taken on each complaint.
Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy Accuses Coalition Government of Blocking Opposition Candidates
YSRCP state coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy accused the coalition government of obstructing opposition candidates from filing nominations because of fears of electoral defeat.
He alleged that candidates faced difficulties during the nomination process in Punganur, Pulivendula, Rayachoti, Tirupati, Rajampet, Darsi and Jammalamadugu, among other places.
Sajjala also questioned the timing of the election preparations. He alleged that the process was being conducted without completing voter list revisions and that reservations were announced at the last minute, leaving candidates with limited time to prepare and file nominations.
He said restricting the time available for filing nominations while allegedly preventing candidates from entering nomination centres was unfair.
The YSRCP coordinator further accused the police of favouring the ruling coalition. He alleged that cases were being registered against victims instead of those accused of carrying out attacks.
Sajjala criticised the State Election Commission, claiming that it had failed to intervene effectively. He urged the commission to ensure transparency and protect the rights of all candidates.
YSRCP Seeks Stronger Security at Nomination Centres
YSRCP leaders called on the State Election Commission to examine videos and photographs relating to the alleged incidents and initiate legal action against those found responsible.
The party also demanded stronger security at nomination centres and urged police officials to remain politically neutral. According to the leaders, the same election rules must be applied equally to candidates from the ruling coalition and opposition parties.
They warned that alleged obstructions and violence during the nomination stage could raise concerns about voter safety during polling.
The YSRCP leaders urged the Election Commission to intervene immediately, investigate all complaints and create an environment in which candidates can file nominations and contest local body elections without intimidation.
The allegations made by YSRCP leaders require examination by the relevant authorities. Any determination of responsibility would depend on the findings of an official inquiry.
