CPI Ramakrishna Alleges Police-Supported Attacks on Opposition Candidates in AP

Communist Party of India (CPI) senior leader Ramakrishna has accused leaders of the ruling alliance in Andhra Pradesh of intimidating opposition candidates and preventing them from filing nominations for the local body elections. He alleged that candidates were being attacked in several areas, while nomination papers were being snatched away or torn up to obstruct the electoral process.

Speaking on Thursday, Ramakrishna said such incidents had been reported over the past few days across several parts of the state, particularly in Rayalaseema and other districts. He expressed serious concern over the alleged use of intimidation to prevent opposition candidates from participating in the electoral process, claiming that the incidents were undermining the democratic exercise.

He also questioned the role of the police, alleging that the attacks were taking place with their support or connivance. According to him, candidates were facing threats and physical attacks, while the seizure and destruction of nomination papers were being used to prevent them from contesting. He further alleged that women candidates were also being intimidated, raising concerns about their ability to participate freely in the elections.

Ramakrishna criticised the State Election Commission for its alleged failure to respond promptly to these incidents. He said the commission had been aware of the developments but had not taken adequate measures to prevent further intimidation. He also alleged that the commission was responding to the situation only after observations by the Supreme Court, rather than taking timely action to safeguard the nomination process.

Ramakrishna also targeted the BJP-led Union government over alleged large-scale deletions of names from electoral rolls. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of allowing voter deletions that could deprive citizens of their democratic rights.

Citing figures from different states, he claimed that more than 83 lakh names had been deleted in West Bengal, around 74 lakh in Tamil Nadu and 48 lakh in Bihar. He further alleged that steps were being taken to remove more than two crore names from the electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh.

Claiming that nearly 12 crore voter names had been deleted nationwide, Ramakrishna demanded that the Election Commission of India explain the reasons behind the deletions and clarify what safeguards were being implemented to protect eligible voters. He called for accountability from the electoral authorities over the issue.