YSRCP president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly criticised the TDP-led coalition government, alleging attacks on opposition candidates and obstructions during the nomination process for Andhra Pradesh local body elections.
Speaking at a media conference at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli on Sunday, Jagan alleged that incidents of attacks, intimidation, seizure of nomination papers and police interference had been reported from several parts of the state for three consecutive days.
He questioned whether constitutional governance and the rule of law were being followed in Andhra Pradesh. According to Jagan, candidates were being prevented from filing nominations, while arrests, lathi charges and alleged refusals to accept nomination papers were undermining the democratic process.
YS Jagan Alleges Attacks on YSRCP Candidates
Jagan accused the ruling coalition leaders of using their political influence to obstruct opposition candidates. He alleged that the police and government machinery were acting in favour of the ruling party instead of ensuring a fair and peaceful election process.
He also raised concerns over the timing of the election schedule, stating that the elections were announced soon after reservations were finalised. He questioned the election process, alleging that it was proceeding without completing the voter list exercise and that the division of wards and divisions had been handled arbitrarily.
The former Chief Minister further alleged that YSRCP candidates were facing difficulties in obtaining caste certificates and no-dues certificates required for nominations. He also criticised the use of preventive or binding-over proceedings against opposition leaders, claiming that such measures were intended to intimidate them.
Punganur Incident: Jagan Raises Concerns Over Attack on Mithun Reddy
Jagan alleged that YSRCP MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy and other party leaders were attacked in Punganur and that their vehicles were damaged.
He claimed that the controversy surrounding liquor bottles was being used to divert attention from the incident. Jagan also alleged that Mithun Reddy was prevented from filing his nomination despite being a Member of Parliament.
These allegations have added to the political tensions surrounding the local body election nomination process in Andhra Pradesh.
Tirupati Nomination Row: YSRCP Alleges Seizure of Papers
Jagan also highlighted alleged obstructions faced by YSRCP candidates in Tirupati. He claimed that Vasu Yadav, the party’s mayoral candidate, was prevented from filing his nomination.
According to Jagan, nomination papers held by MP Gurumoorthy, who had accompanied the candidate, were allegedly snatched away. He also referred to an alleged attack involving SM Nayaz and his wife when they went to participate in the nomination process.
Jagan criticised the police for allegedly failing to intervene when ruling party leaders were intimidating opposition candidates at nomination centres.
YS Jagan Questions Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission
The YSRCP chief expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission. He alleged that officials responsible for conducting impartial elections were favouring the ruling coalition.
Jagan demanded a response from the police, the Director General of Police (DGP), the Home Minister and the State Election Commission over the alleged attacks and irregularities during the nomination process.
He called for steps to ensure that all candidates could file their nominations without threats, violence or political interference.
Jagan Criticises TDP Government Over Election Management
Jagan said the YSRCP had secured victories in local body elections during its tenure by focusing on development and welfare programmes. He accused the present coalition government of failing to fulfil its Super Six and Super Seven promises.
He alleged that the TDP-led government lacked the confidence to face opposition candidates in a fair electoral contest and was therefore attempting to prevent them from entering the race at the nomination stage.
The allegations have intensified the political confrontation between the YSRCP and the ruling coalition as Andhra Pradesh’s local body election process continues. The claims made by Jagan concern the conduct of nominations, the role of the police and the need to ensure a transparent and impartial election process.
