The conduct of the Andhra Pradesh local body elections has triggered a fresh political controversy, with the State Election Commission (SEC) facing criticism over its polling arrangements. The SEC has reportedly installed CCTV cameras at only 50 per cent of polling stations across the state ahead of the polling scheduled for November 1 (Sunday).
The decision has raised questions about election transparency and security, particularly in the wake of the Supreme Court’s directions regarding CCTV surveillance and video recording at polling stations.
AP SEC Says CCTV Coverage at All Polling Stations Not Feasible
Following the legal battle initiated by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), the Supreme Court issued directions concerning surveillance arrangements for the local body elections. Soon after the court’s directions, the SEC released a media statement explaining its position.
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha said that installing CCTV cameras at every polling station was not feasible. He stated that the SEC had arranged around 12,000 CCTV cameras at 5,737 polling stations across Andhra Pradesh.
He also assured that the CCTV footage would be preserved for future reference.
YSRCP Questions SEC’s Decision on CCTV Cameras
The YSRCP strongly objected to the SEC’s decision to limit CCTV coverage to only 50 per cent of polling stations. The party argued that surveillance arrangements should cover every polling station to prevent electoral malpractice and ensure transparent polling.
YSRCP MLC Lella Appi Reddy criticised the SEC, questioning why it was not implementing stronger security measures despite the Supreme Court’s directions.
He alleged that the Election Commission was failing to act impartially and accused election officials of speaking like TDP leaders instead of functioning as independent constitutional authorities.
Lella Appi Reddy Alleges TDP Leaders’ Interference
Lella Appi Reddy further alleged that hundreds of outsiders associated with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) were entering various constituencies.
He claimed that there were attempts to take control of polling stations immediately after voting began. He expressed concerns that inadequate CCTV surveillance could create opportunities for electoral irregularities.
The YSRCP leader demanded stronger monitoring arrangements to ensure that voters could exercise their franchise without intimidation or interference.
AP Local Body Elections: Election Transparency Under Question
The SEC’s statement that installing CCTV cameras at all polling stations was not feasible has triggered a wider political debate in Andhra Pradesh.
With polling scheduled for November 1, the controversy over CCTV coverage, video recording and election security has intensified.
The key question now is whether the existing surveillance arrangements will be sufficient to ensure free, fair and transparent local body elections across Andhra Pradesh.
