SEC Reduced to Puppet: YSRCP Slams Naidu Govt Over ULB Election Violence
Former Minister Ambati Rambabu slams the Chandrababu Naidu government, claiming the State Election Commission has become a puppet to the TDP.
The political atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh has reached a boiling point as the YSRCP has leveled serious allegations against the Chandrababu Naidu-led government, claiming a systematic demolition of democracy. Former Minister and YSRCP Guntur District President Ambati Rambabu has accused the ruling TDP of colluding with the police and the State Election Commission (SEC) to ensure "forced unanimous elections" through a campaign of terror and intimidation during the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections.
Allegations of a 'Puppet' Election Commission
Addressing the media at his camp office in Guntur, Ambati Rambabu did not mince words, stating that the State Election Commission has essentially become a puppet in the hands of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. He alleged that this collusion has been used to facilitate the ruling party's dominance by preventing opposition candidates from even entering the race.
Rambabu highlighted a stark contradiction between judicial orders and ground reality. Despite clear directions from the Supreme Court to protect all candidates, the YSRCP claims their nominees were violently stopped from filing their nominations. In a shocking claim, he stated that nomination papers were torn apart in the presence of police officers, while the media was deliberately barred from nomination centers to hide the "TDP atrocities."
Police Brutality and House Arrests
The YSRCP leader detailed a series of targeted actions against party officials and candidates:
- Physical Assaults: Former Minister Vidadala Rajini was reportedly pushed to the ground by police while she was attempting to assist a candidate.
- Confinement: Senior leaders including Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, Bolla Brahma Naidu, and Namburi Shankara Rao were allegedly placed under house arrest, preventing them from distributing B-Forms or supporting their candidates.
- Selective Protection: Rambabu alleged that while opposition leaders were confined, the police actively facilitated the movement and nominations of ruling-party candidates.
Violence Beyond YSRCP
The allegations of electoral violence are not limited to the YSRCP. Rambabu pointed out that other parties have also been targeted, citing attacks on the family of Jana Sena leader Bellamkonda Srinivas and an assault on BJP candidate Suresh in Kadapa. He claimed that although police promised protection over the phone, they remained mere spectators while candidates—including women—were attacked.
Legal War and the 'List of 54'
In a move to hold officials accountable, the YSRCP has identified 54 police officials, including IPS officers and Sattenapalli DSP Hanumantha Rao, for their alleged role in these electoral irregularities. Rambabu announced that the party would pursue legal action against these officers through the High Court and the Supreme Court, condemning the use of state machinery for the personal political interests of Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh.
Supreme Court Intervention: A 'Rebuke' to the Government
YSRCP leaders have hailed the recent intervention of the Supreme Court as a major victory and a "rebuke" to the state government. Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy stated that the court's directions reaffirm the right of the opposition to have equal opportunities in the democratic process. He expressed confidence that the party would secure substantial majorities if elections are held fairly.
Adding to the grievances, Peddireddy Midhun Reddy condemned the filing of five separate cases against him over a single incident, calling it "vindictive politics." He urged officials to resist political pressure and reminded TDP workers that power is temporary.
Demands for Accountability
Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and MLC Lella Appi Reddy questioned how the government could claim the elections were proceeding smoothly when the Supreme Court had to step in. They alleged that repeated complaints to the SEC fell on deaf ears, leaving the party with no choice but to seek judicial relief.
The YSRCP leadership has now demanded the implementation of effective security measures, including CCTV surveillance at nomination centers, to prevent further obstruction and violence. Meanwhile, Ambati Rambabu has called upon the voters of Guntur to reject the "politics of intimidation" and support the YSRCP's mayoral candidate, Sridevi, and other corporator candidates by voting for the fan symbol.