Ballot Box Row: YSRCP's Sudhakar Babu Slams TDP for 'Targeting' Appi Reddy
YSRCP leader Sudhakar Babu accuses TDP of targeting MLC Lella Appi Reddy for questioning a ballot box incident. Read the full political clash.
The political temperature in Andhra Pradesh has soared as YSRCP SC Cell State President and former MLA Sudhakar Babu launched a scathing attack on the TDP. He has accused the ruling party of orchestrating a smear campaign against senior YSRCP leader and MLC Lella Appi Reddy following his arrest, claiming that Reddy is being unfairly targeted simply for questioning a controversial ballot box incident.
The Ballot Box Controversy
At the heart of the dispute is an incident involving a polling officer and a ballot box. Sudhakar Babu asserted that the officer in question had already admitted that disembarking from a bus with a ballot box was a mistake. He questioned the logic behind portraying Appi Reddy as a criminal for merely raising concerns about this lapse in protocol.
Pointing to a video statement made by the officer, Sudhakar Babu challenged TDP leaders to prove the evidence false. He raised critical questions regarding the security of the electoral process, asking why a ballot box containing precious votes was transported on the road without any police protection.
Dismissing the 'Lack of Space' Theory
The TDP had reportedly suggested that the polling officer changed buses because there was insufficient space. However, Sudhakar Babu dismissed this explanation, stating that such a justification only creates more suspicion. He has demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the matter and a formal explanation from the Election Commission to ensure transparency.
Allegations of Unjust Legal Action
Sudhakar Babu argued that filing criminal cases against Lella Appi Reddy was an act of injustice. He maintained that Reddy was only seeking fairness for his party's candidate and questioning why the officer had exited the bus with the ballot box. According to the YSRCP leader, this pursuit of accountability is being twisted into criminal activity by the TDP.
Counter-Attack on TDP's Record
Turning the tide on the TDP, Sudhakar Babu brought up the criminal records of the current administration. Citing election affidavits and a report from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), he made a startling claim:
- 22 out of 23 ministers have declared criminal cases against them.
- 13 of these ministers are facing serious criminal charges.
He challenged TDP leaders to address these allegations regarding their own records instead of focusing their energy on targeting Appi Reddy.
Wider Concerns Over Election Integrity
The YSRCP leader did not stop at the ballot box row. He also highlighted alleged attacks on Dalits in the Prakasam district and the reported obstruction of polling agents. Sudhakar Babu insisted that the government must provide answers regarding these election irregularities.
Concluding his statement, Sudhakar Babu reaffirmed that the YSRCP remains committed to defending the rights of voters and upholding the principles of democracy against what he perceives as political vendettas.