NTR District MPTC ZPTC Counting Begins Amid Row Over Rigging
Vote counting for MPTC and ZPTC elections starts in NTR district amid YSRCP allegations of rigging and misuse of government machinery.
The counting of votes for the Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) rural local body elections has officially commenced across the NTR district. While the process began peacefully on Saturday morning, the atmosphere remains tense following serious allegations of electoral malpractice raised by the opposition.
Massive Infrastructure for the Counting Process
To ensure the counting for 16 ZPTC and 276 MPTC seats is handled efficiently, the administration has established counting centres at nine different locations throughout the district. The scale of the operation is significant, featuring:
- Counting Facilities: 18 dedicated counting halls and 281 counting tables have been set up.
- Manpower: A workforce of approximately 1,500 personnel, including counting supervisors and assistants, has been deployed.
- Essential Services: Each centre is equipped with CCTV surveillance, electricity, alternative power backups, and drinking water.
Tight Security Measures
Given the political sensitivity of the elections, a three-tier heavy police security blanket has been cast over the counting centres. The security operation is being managed by a hierarchy of officers, including 7 DSPs, 37 CIs, and 64 SIs, to prevent any unrest and ensure a smooth transition of power.
YSRCP Alleges 'Undemocratic' Polls
The start of the counting follows a wave of accusations from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). On Friday, the party launched a scathing attack on the TDP-led coalition government, claiming that the elections were conducted in a manner that defied democratic principles.
Former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy, speaking to the media in Amaravati, alleged that the ruling coalition blatantly misused official machinery to tilt the scales in their favour. He claimed that the YSRCP faced systemic intimidation, which included:
"Active members of our party were detained at police stations or placed under house arrest on the pretext that they could cause trouble. Meanwhile, ruling party members moved freely, resorted to rigging and vote cycling, drove away YSRCP agents and attacked our supporters."
Claims of Police Complicity
Reddy further alleged that YSRCP voters and polling agents were actively prevented from participating in the electoral process. He accused the police of acting as silent spectators while TDP members allegedly attacked party cadres and forced them out of their villages. The YSRCP leader questioned the integrity of the police force, asking how the Constitution could be protected when law enforcement is allegedly involved in rigging.
Despite these complaints being lodged with senior officials, the YSRCP maintains that no corrective action was taken prior to the counting phase.
Election Timeline
The polling for these crucial rural local body positions began at 7 AM on Thursday and concluded at 5 PM, setting the stage for the current counting process that will determine the local leadership in the NTR district.