YSRCP Slams TDP-Led Govt Over 'Rigged' Local Polls, Demands Fresh Elections
YSRCP accuses TDP-led government of misuse of power and rigging in ZPTC and MPTC elections, demanding a fresh poll.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has launched a scathing attack on the TDP-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh, alleging that the recently conducted Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) and Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) elections were marred by severe irregularities. The party claims the electoral process was conducted in an undemocratic manner, characterized by the blatant misuse of official machinery and the intimidation of opposition supporters.
Allegations of State-Sponsored Rigging
Speaking to the media in Amaravati, former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy detailed a series of grievances, asserting that the ruling coalition turned the state apparatus into a tool for electoral victory. He alleged that YSRCP voters, party leaders, and polling agents were systematically blocked from participating in the voting process.
According to Reddy, the police and government officials did not just ignore the irregularities but actively supported the ruling coalition. He claimed that active YSRCP members were either detained at police stations or placed under house arrest under the guise of preventing unrest, while members of the ruling party were allowed to move freely.
Claims of Violence and Voter Suppression
The YSRCP leader painted a grim picture of the polling day, alleging that the ruling party resorted to "vote cycling" and widespread rigging. He stated that YSRCP agents were driven away from booths and supporters were physically attacked. In some extreme instances, Reddy claimed that party cadre were forcibly evicted from their own villages to ensure they could not vote or monitor the polls.
The party also highlighted specific incidents of aggression, including an attempted attack on Guravaiah, the YSRCP in-charge for the Gudur constituency.
Violation of Codes and Court Directives
The YSRCP has further accused the government of violating Supreme Court directives and the Model Code of Conduct. A major point of contention is the alleged presence of sitting ministers and MLAs at polling stations, which the party claims led to direct booth capturing.
Kakani Govardhan Reddy specifically condemned the high-handedness of the police toward former Atmakur MLA Mekapati Vikram Reddy, questioning why law enforcement remained "silent spectators" while TDP members attacked opposition workers.
"How can the Constitution be protected when the police themselves are involved in rigging?" questioned Kakani Govardhan Reddy.
Demand for Immediate Intervention
Expressing frustration that senior officials failed to act on complaints lodged during the process, the YSRCP has now urged the District Collector to step in. The party is demanding:
- The immediate cancellation of elections in affected areas.
- Fresh polling in regions where ministers or MLAs visited polling stations in violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
- Strict accountability and action against the officials responsible for overseeing these irregularities.