'Mocking Democracy': YS Jagan Slams Naidu Over Election Obstructions
YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy alleges that the TDP-led government is obstructing opposition nominations for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh.
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a scathing attack on the ruling coalition, accusing Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of "mocking democracy." In a series of serious allegations, Reddy claimed that the government is actively attempting to prevent Opposition candidates from filing their nominations for the upcoming local body elections, signaling a deep-seated fear of defeat within the ruling camp.
Allegations of State-Sponsored Intimidation
Speaking to the media, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged a coordinated effort between government officials, police personnel, and TDP workers to sabotage the nomination process. He claimed that YSRCP candidates are facing unprecedented atrocities designed to keep them out of the electoral race.
The YSRCP chief detailed several forms of harassment, including:
- Physical Attacks: Reports of party associates being beaten and vehicles being attacked.
- Theft of Documents: Allegations that nomination papers were snatched away from candidates.
- Legal Harassment: The filing of false cases and the kidnapping of party members.
- Violence: Claims of arson and intimidation occurring under the watchful eyes of the police.
“Despite officials, police and TDP goons taking over the election process, Chandrababu still lacks confidence in the mandate and is mocking democracy by attacking YSRCP candidates and snatching away nomination papers,” Reddy stated.
Chaos in Pulivendula and Beyond
Reddy highlighted specific instances of violence, particularly in Pulivendula, where he alleged that police personnel behaved like TDP cadres. He claimed that police resorted to stone-pelting and firing in the air to intimidate candidates attempting to file their papers, describing such actions as "unprecedented."
The former Chief Minister further alleged that while TDP workers were permitted to gather in large numbers, YSRCP supporters were blocked from entering nomination centres, even when they adhered to the permitted limit of four persons.
The YSRCP chief listed several areas where nominations were allegedly obstructed, including:
- Tirupati, Kadapa, and Punganuru (where YSRCP MPs were reportedly stopped)
- Kamalapuram, Rayachoti, and Darsi
- Gurazala, Dachepalli, and Piduguralla
- Badvel and Rajampet
Questioning the Electoral Process
Beyond the physical intimidation, Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned the integrity of the entire election framework. He pointed to the appointment of the State Election Commissioner (SEC), suggesting that the current appointee is a "loyal TDP person," similar to the previous SEC who was a staunch TDP supporter—though Reddy noted that his party managed to sweep previous elections with a 90 per cent strike rate despite that.
The 'Conspiracy' of Voter Lists and Timing
Reddy raised concerns over the timing of the election schedule, alleging it was announced just one day after reservations were declared, leaving the Opposition with insufficient time to prepare. More critically, he alleged a conspiracy regarding the voter rolls.
He claimed that while the SIR had identified 46 lakh fake voters, the government decided to proceed with an unrevised voter list. Additionally, he alleged that the delimitation of wards and divisions was strategically carried out to favour the ruling coalition.
A Promise of Resilience
Despite the alleged irregularities and threats, the YSRCP president asserted that his party would not back down. He praised the courage of his candidates and workers for remaining steadfast in the face of intimidation.
Warning the ruling coalition, Reddy stated that the people's mandate would eventually expose the government's "flop show" and that those responsible for these alleged undemocratic tactics would eventually face the consequences.