'Shakuni' of Elections: Jagan Slams Naidu Over Nomination Rigging
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accuses Chandrababu Naidu's government of blocking nominations in local body polls and ignoring Supreme Court orders.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a scathing attack on the Chandrababu Naidu-led government, alleging widespread nomination irregularities in local body polls. Reddy claims that the current administration is systematically blocking candidates from filing their nomination papers, effectively sabotaging the democratic process before the voting even begins.
Accusations of 'Nomination-Center Rigging'
Addressing the public, Jagan Mohan Reddy asserted that his party has uncovered blatant irregularities and has submitted comprehensive evidence to the State Election Commission (SEC), the Governor, and the Supreme Court. He questioned the integrity of the entire system, asking why candidates were being physically obstructed from exercising their right to contest elections.
"What does it mean when candidates are physically stopped from filing nominations? It means the total collapse and degradation of the entire system!" Reddy exclaimed, describing the actions as "high-handed dramas."
The Supreme Court Intervention
Reddy claimed that the Supreme Court, after reviewing the evidence provided by the YSRCP, reprimanded both the State Election Commission and the state government. According to the former CM, the apex court explicitly directed authorities to facilitate the nomination process and ensure that candidates could file their papers freely based on provided lists.
However, Reddy alleged that these judicial directions are being ignored on the ground. He pointed out a glaring discrepancy in the implementation of the court's orders, questioning why nominations were accepted in only four out of the 19 municipalities where candidates had reportedly been blocked.
Direct Attack on Naidu and Administration
In a sharp critique of the current leadership, Reddy questioned whether the SEC, the Director General of Police (DGP), or Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had any respect for the Supreme Court's mandates. He posed a provocative question: "Is the SEC taking orders from the Supreme Court, or is it taking orders directly from Chandrababu?"
Comparing Naidu to the cunning character Shakuni from the Mahabharata, Reddy accused him of manipulating electoral rules to suit his own whims. He warned that if such "atrocities" are occurring at the nomination stage, the situation could escalate dangerously during the actual polling and counting phases.
Comparison of Governance and Fear of Violence
The YSRCP leader challenged Naidu to face the electorate based on his government's performance. Reddy contrasted this with his own tenure, claiming his government secured an 86 per cent victory by showcasing its work. He alleged that the current administration is resorting to "foul play" because the public is miserable under their rule.
Expressing grave concern over the security of candidates, Reddy claimed that attacks are being launched against them even in the presence of police officers. He compared the current atmosphere to a "bloody chapter worse than Bihar" and demanded the removal of complicit bureaucrats and police officers to ensure a free and fair election.
Reddy concluded by stating that the YSRCP would continue its fight against what he termed the "destruction of democracy," alleging that Naidu has shifted his tactics from traditional booth rigging to the more strategic rigging of nomination centers.