Amaravati, Oct 24 : The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has intensified its legal battle over alleged irregularities during the nomination process for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. YSRCP MLC Lella Appi Reddy has filed a lunch motion petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, alleging that police personnel are preventing opposition candidates from filing nominations through illegal arrests, house arrests and intimidation.
The High Court has reportedly permitted the petition to be heard. The party has sought immediate relief for candidates who were allegedly detained and demanded adequate police protection to enable them to file their nomination papers.
YSRCP Seeks 48-Hour Extension of Nomination Deadline
In its petition, the YSRCP requested the High Court to direct the authorities to release candidates allegedly held in illegal custody and ensure their safe access to nomination centres.
The party also sought an extension of the nomination deadline by at least 48 hours. It urged the authorities to make arrangements for accepting nomination papers at district offices and collectorates to ensure that candidates are not denied an opportunity to contest.
The petition also called for strict action against those allegedly involved in tearing nomination papers and physically attacking candidates.
Lella Appi Reddy Complains to State Election Commission
Separately, a YSRCP delegation led by Lella Appi Reddy submitted a complaint to the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC). The party alleged that the election authorities had failed to prevent attacks and intimidation by ruling TDP supporters.
Appi Reddy accused some police personnel and revenue officials of acting in favour of the ruling party. He alleged that YSRCP candidates were being prevented from filing nominations for ZPTC and MPTC elections for the third consecutive day.
The YSRCP leader said the party had submitted evidence relating to alleged attacks, torn nomination papers and the house arrest of its leaders. However, he claimed that the authorities had failed to take adequate action.
YSRCP Demands CCTV Footage Review
The party urged the State Election Commission to examine CCTV footage from the areas where the alleged incidents occurred instead of relying solely on police body-camera recordings.
Appi Reddy argued that the election process must remain transparent and fair, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s directions concerning the nomination dispute.
He also questioned the timing of the SEC’s circular on extending the nomination deadline, stating that issuing it just 90 minutes before the deadline expired may not have provided sufficient relief to affected candidates.
Allegations of Nomination Papers Being Torn
The YSRCP leader expressed concern over alleged incidents in which nomination papers were torn and candidates were prevented from reaching nomination centres. He also criticised the alleged manhandling of former ministers and other party leaders.
Appi Reddy further alleged that some individuals were filing nominations in the names of rival parties and later withdrawing them, raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
The allegations have intensified the political dispute between the YSRCP and the ruling TDP over the conduct of local body elections in Andhra Pradesh.
YSRCP Seeks Fair and Transparent Elections
The YSRCP has urged the State Election Commission to intervene immediately, extend the nomination deadline and ensure that all eligible candidates can file their papers without fear or obstruction.
The party maintains that equal opportunities for all candidates are essential for free and fair elections. The High Court proceedings and the SEC’s response are expected to play an important role in determining the next steps in the ongoing nomination dispute.
