Andhra Local Body Polls: YSRCP MP Exposes ‘Election Mafia’ and Lakhs in Bribes
YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy claims a corruption racket in Andhra local body polls, alleging TDP candidates paid lakhs for uncontested wins.
The political atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh has reached a boiling point as the YSRCP MP from Tirupati, Maddila Gurumoorthy, has leveled explosive allegations regarding the Andhra local body polls. In a scathing attack on the ruling administration, the MP has claimed the existence of an "election mafia" designed to ensure the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) secures victories without facing any real competition.
The 'Pay-to-Win' Scandal
Taking to the social media platform X, Maddila Gurumoorthy alleged a sophisticated corruption racket where electoral outcomes were allegedly bought and paid for. According to the MP, a staggering sum of Rs 40 lakh to Rs 50 lakh was collected from every single TDP candidate. This money was purportedly used to guarantee that these candidates would win uncontested.
The MP further claimed that this wealth did not just stay with party leaders but was distributed among those facilitating these outcomes, specifically naming police personnel and election officials as beneficiaries of this alleged money trail.
Allegations of Violence and Manipulation
Beyond the financial corruption, the YSRCP leader painted a grim picture of the nomination process. He alleged that the ruling party's machinery worked aggressively to stifle the opposition through several means:
- Physical Intimidation: YSRCP candidates were allegedly threatened and physically attacked to prevent them from filing their nominations.
- Destruction of Documents: In a shocking claim, Gurumoorthy stated that nomination papers were torn up, with some of these incidents reportedly occurring right inside the chambers of Returning Officers.
- Administrative Sabotage: It is alleged that election officials manipulated the scrutiny process and rejected opposition nominations based on trivial technical grounds to clear the path for TDP candidates.
The Role of State Machinery
A central part of the MP's allegation is the complicity of the state's enforcement and administrative wings. Gurumoorthy claimed that police personnel acted as "silent spectators" while the alleged violence and intimidation took place. He argued that the very officials entrusted with protecting the democratic process were instead involved in an organized racket to eliminate electoral competition.
The allegations describe more than just an election controversy; they point toward an organized corruption racket where victories are secured through money and the manipulation of officials.
Demands for Accountability
The YSRCP MP has placed the responsibility for this alleged chaos squarely on the shoulders of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, holding him accountable for the corruption, manipulation, and violence surrounding the polls.
Calling for immediate intervention, Gurumoorthy has urged the State Election Commission to take decisive action. He has demanded a comprehensive and independent investigation into three key areas:
- The alleged money trail involving the lakhs collected from candidates.
- The disputed rejection of nominations.
- The conduct of the police and election officials involved in the process.