YSRCP Alleges Intimidation, Nomination Hurdles in AP Local Body Polls

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) state coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy has accused the NDA government of using intimidation, police action and procedural hurdles to weaken the opposition in the ongoing local body election process. He asserted that attacks, threats and criminal cases would not force the party to withdraw from the electoral contest, alleging that the ruling alliance was attempting to secure unopposed victories by obstructing nominations and pressuring candidates to withdraw.

Sajjala demanded an inquiry by a sitting High Court judge into the alleged police firing incident in Pulivendula. He claimed that police opened fire on opposition candidates attempting to file nominations without provocation and accused the police of acting more aggressively than ruling party workers in preventing opposition participation.

In Duggirala, within the Mangalagiri constituency, the party alleged that senior Dalit leader Rajayya was placed under preventive detention to keep him away from the upcoming Mandal Parishad President elections. Sajjala also claimed that delays in issuing caste and no-dues certificates, along with threats against candidates, were being used to disrupt the nomination process.

In Kadapa, he alleged, police prevented around 40 to 50 candidates from proceeding with nominations, while 10 to 12 nomination papers were reportedly rejected. He accused the ruling alliance of presenting unopposed victories as public endorsement after allegedly denying opposition candidates a fair chance to compete.

The YSRCP approached the Supreme Court on October 19, seeking an extension of the nomination deadline and another opportunity for candidates allegedly prevented from filing their papers. The petition, filed by party general secretary L. Appireddy, challenged the High Court's October 18 refusal to extend the deadline. The party cited alleged violence in Punganur, Rayachoti, Kadapa and Tirupati, including the tearing of nomination papers in Kadapa and obstruction of nine candidates in Tirupati.

Appireddy also urged State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha to remove officers accused of politically motivated preventive action, false cases and illegal arrests from election duties. The party sought an independent inquiry, adequate protection for candidates and implementation of court directions concerning updated electoral rolls.

Meanwhile, the TDP accused the YSRCP of obstructing development and appealed to voters to support its candidates. It also alleged that the opposition leadership relied on individuals with criminal backgrounds, intensifying the political confrontation over the local body elections.