Chaos in AP: YSRCP Alleges Violence and Voter Obstruction in Local Polls
YSRCP claims TDP workers and police obstructed voters and attacked agents during ZPTC and MPTC polls in Andhra Pradesh.
The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) has raised a storm of allegations regarding widespread violence, intimidation, and the obstruction of democratic processes during the Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) and Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) elections in Andhra Pradesh. In a strongly worded official statement, the opposition party called for the urgent intervention of senior police officials and the State Election Commission to address the turmoil.
Allegations of Voter Intimidation and Police Bias
The YSRCP claims that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) deployed workers from outside specific regions to disrupt the voting process. One such instance was reported in Karnapapayapalli, located in the Lingala mandal, where groups allegedly blocked citizens from exercising their right to vote.
The party further alleged that law enforcement agencies acted in coordination with the ruling party. Specific reports include:
- Pulivendula Mandal: At Vemula ZP High School, police allegedly barred YSRCP polling agents from entering the booth. In Yerripalli, voters were reportedly stopped from reaching the polling station, while agents in Vemula were prevented from performing their official duties.
- E Kothapalli: YSRCP claims that police personnel and TDP groups collaborated to stop voters and agents from approaching the station, with groups gathering specifically to launch attacks.
- Arasavalli: The party alleged that police resorted to a lathi charge against voters.
Threats and Attacks on Personnel
The atmosphere grew more tense in the Sri Sathya Sai district, specifically in the Ramagiri mandal, where TDP leaders allegedly threatened to kill YSRCP polling agents who attempted to enter the polling station. According to the YSRCP, police officers were present during these threats but remained passive spectators.
In Hindupur mandal, the party highlighted an incident in Appulakunta and Kirikera, where TDP leaders allegedly stopped MPTC candidate Rangayya from submitting applications for polling agents to the election officer, reportedly tearing the documents to shreds.
Attack on Media and Local Intimidation
The violence reportedly extended to the press. A reporter for Sakshi, Pulla Reddy, was allegedly attacked by TDP members while covering the elections in Lingala. The assault resulted in injuries to his leg and the destruction of his mobile phone.
Further allegations emerged from the Chittoor constituency. Kumaraswamy, identified as the personal assistant to coalition MLA Gurajala Jagan Mohan, reportedly visited the homes of YSRCP leaders. He allegedly threatened to kill them and warned them against serving as polling agents, claiming he would bring large mobs into their villages.
Crackdown on Opposition Leaders
The YSRCP also pointed toward targeted police action against its senior leadership:
- Anantapur: Former MP Gorantla Madhav was reportedly placed under house arrest.
- Kandukuru: Former MLA Burra Madhusudhan Yadav was issued a notice warning of legal action if he violated specific restrictions. Yadav questioned the disparity in treatment, asking why the ruling-party MLA was not subjected to similar constraints while he was simply observing the poll process per Election Commission rules.
Boycotts and Environmental Hurdles
Beyond the political clashes, the elections faced other challenges. In Rayanipeta village of Bheemili mandal, all 120 registered voters reportedly boycotted the election to protest the lack of basic infrastructure and facilities in their village.
Meanwhile, in the Gudivada constituency at Janardhanapuram, nature posed its own obstacle. Heavy rainwater flooded the polling station, making it nearly impossible for elderly voters and persons with disabilities to enter. Election officials were forced to use sandbags to create a makeshift walkway for the voters.
Demand for Justice
The YSRCP has demanded that the State Election Commission and senior police authorities ensure the safety of candidates, journalists, and voters. They have called for strict action against those responsible for the destruction of election documents and the physical attacks on party workers and agents.
Polling for the ZPTC and MPTC elections was scheduled for November 5, running from 7 am to 5 pm across the state.