YS Sharmila Accuses NDA Government of Widespread Electoral Malpractices in AP

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila has accused the NDA government of resorting to widespread electoral malpractices, alleging irregularities at every stage, from the filing of nominations to the polling process. She criticised the government for allegedly giving a new meaning to rigging, claiming that booth capturing, bogus voting and intimidation were being used to influence election outcomes. Taking a dig at Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, she remarked that his alleged approach to election management resembled practices associated with South Bihar.

Sharmila alleged that the NDA government was relying on its official position rather than public support to secure electoral victories. She accused those in power of misusing government machinery to manipulate the democratic process and undermine the people's mandate. She also alleged that the Election Commission had been reduced to an institution operating under the government's influence, raising serious questions about the fairness and transparency of the elections.

Questioning the NDA government's commitment to democratic principles, Sharmila said there was a contradiction between its public statements on transparency and the alleged treatment of opposition candidates. She claimed that opposition leaders were being threatened, prevented from submitting nominations and, in some instances, obstructed from exercising their voting rights. According to her, polling took place in an atmosphere of fear and tension rather than in a peaceful environment, with allegations of attacks, intimidation and coercion emerging from different areas.

The APCC president called on the State Election Commission to intervene immediately and investigate all reported violations. She demanded that polling be cancelled and repolls conducted at booths where evidence of booth capturing, bogus voting or intimidation was available in the form of photographs and video recordings.

She further insisted that the Commission examine live webcasting footage and CCTV recordings from every polling station without bias. If the recordings revealed that individuals who were not registered voters repeatedly entered polling booths or attempted to influence voters, the results from those particular booths should be withheld, she said.

Sharmila also demanded immediate disciplinary action against Returning Officers, Presiding Officers and police personnel who allegedly failed to prevent electoral violations or ignored complaints. She maintained that officials responsible for allowing such irregularities should be held accountable.