YSRCP Claims TDP Terror: Abductions and Violence Mar Municipal Nominations
YSRCP condemns statewide abductions and attacks by TDP during municipal election scrutiny, demanding protection for candidates and police action.
The YSRCP has sounded a loud alarm over what it describes as a statewide campaign of terror, alleging that the TDP is using violence, abductions, and intimidation to derail the municipal election nomination scrutiny process. In a strongly worded condemnation on Monday, the party demanded immediate protection for its candidates and strict action against TDP leaders and police officials accused of obstructing the democratic process.
Violence and Abductions Across Andhra Pradesh
The YSRCP detailed a series of alarming incidents across various districts, claiming that the TDP's tactics have shifted from political rivalry to physical aggression.
Chaos in Kuppam and Tadipatri
In Kuppam, the situation reportedly turned grim with the abduction of chairperson candidate Vijay Kumar. The party further alleged that the residence of MLC Bharath was attacked, while candidates Jayashankar and Jayanth suffered serious head injuries and had to be hospitalised.
Similarly, in Tadipatri, the party reported that the home and furniture of Kotla Shafi were vandalised. The abduction of candidate Mohammed Jaffar was also highlighted, with claims that widespread intimidation successfully prevented nominations in five different wards.
Clashes in Proddatur and Badvel
The turmoil extended to Proddatur, where the nomination papers of Poreddy Narasimha Reddy were allegedly snatched and torn. The YSRCP accused the police of siding with the opposition, claiming officers blocked candidates and conducted lathi-charges on workers, resulting in a serious eye injury for a worker named Rajasekhar. In response, Rachamallu Sivaprasad Reddy and Narasimha Reddy staged a sit-in protest. Further obstructions by police were also reported during the scrutiny process in Badvel.
Targeted Attacks and Document Destruction
The YSRCP provided a detailed account of targeted harassment in other regions, suggesting a coordinated effort to wipe out their candidacy.
- Chittoor: TDP workers allegedly stoned the YSRCP office.
- Nandyal: The party claimed TDP groups attempted to seize nomination papers and assaulted advocate Phanindra Sharma. There were also reported attempts to attack Silpa Ravi Chandra Kishore Reddy, while MP Shabari and A.V. Subba Reddy allegedly disrupted proceedings.
- Atmakur: Yugandhar Reddy is accused of tearing the nomination papers of Dr. Priyanka, leading to a protest and formal complaint by Silpa Chakrapani Reddy to the Collector.
Allegations of Police Bias and Legal Manipulation
The YSRCP pointed to a massive crackdown on its members, citing reports from Mahanaadu Media regarding cases filed against approximately 1,000 people in Kadapa. This includes MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy and 500 others in Pulivendula. The party alleged that police used stun shells, smoke shells, and direct firing during confrontations over nominations.
Suspicious Nomination Decisions
The party raised several red flags regarding the approval and rejection of candidates:
In Rajampet, candidate Nadigadda Reshma’s nomination was initially approved, only to be rejected two hours later over house-tax documentation. The party also alleged that a lawyer's and a Sakshi reporter's phones were seized and recordings deleted to hide evidence.
Furthermore, the YSRCP questioned the acceptance of Reddy Easwari’s nomination despite alleged house-tax arrears of Rs. 17,000, while demanding a strict scrutiny of a Rs. 1,000 challan for a candidate in Amalapuram.
Pressure Tactics and Institutional Interference
The YSRCP further claimed that institutional pressure was used to manipulate election outcomes. In Penukonda, candidate Bhaskar’s nomination was reportedly rejected under pressure from Minister Savitha. In Madanapalle, the party alleged that supporters of a local MLA assaulted Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) Boorayya to ensure that Sahadev could be elected unopposed.
Concluding their grievances, the YSRCP has called for the immediate release of abducted persons, the safeguarding of nomination records, and a guarantee of equal opportunity for every candidate during the scrutiny process.