YS Jagan Demands Fair Elections, Alleges Opposition Candidates Face Obstruction

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused the ruling alliance of undermining democratic principles in the ongoing local body elections, alleging that opposition candidates are being prevented from filing nominations and that official machinery is being misused to secure electoral victories.

Addressing party cadres in Amaravati on Tuesday, Jagan demanded a transparent electoral process that provides equal opportunities to all political parties. He said election results should reflect the people's choice rather than the influence of those in power.

Jagan alleged that irregularities had shifted from polling booths to nomination centres under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's government. He accused ruling alliance supporters of occupying nomination centres and obstructing opposition candidates from submitting their papers. Comparing Naidu to Shakuni from the Mahabharata, he alleged that political power was being used to manipulate elections. He said victories secured by preventing opponents from contesting could not be considered a genuine democratic mandate.

The YSRCP chief questioned the ruling alliance's claim of victory in 17 urban local bodies. He said the TDP secured 15 chairperson posts, while Jana Sena and the BJP won one each. He also questioned claims of unopposed victories in 21 per cent of the 2,108 wards, arguing that such outcomes could not reflect the people's verdict if opposition candidates were denied an opportunity to contest. He also raised concerns over victory claims in six municipalities, including those in YSR district.

Jagan questioned the implementation of the Super Six and Super Seven promises, alleging that 143 assurances remained unfulfilled despite three years of the government's tenure. He accused the ruling alliance of using its authority to influence elections rather than facing public scrutiny. He also alleged that some media organisations were favouring the ruling party.

He further claimed that women candidates were being obstructed at checkpoints and on roads, with incidents involving the alleged snatching of nomination papers and pulling of sarees. He condemned these incidents as attacks on women's dignity and democratic participation.

Highlighting his government's initiatives, Jagan cited Asara, Cheyutha, EBC Nestham, Kapu Nestham and zero-interest loans for women's welfare, alongside Amma Vodi, Vidya Deevena and Vasathi Deevena for education. He said his government distributed 31 lakh house-site pattas, initiated 21 lakh houses and provided 50 per cent reservation for women in nominated posts and contracts.