Pulivendula Poll Row: YSRCP Questions How 14 Voters Cast 681 Votes
YSRCP questions how 14 'Others' category voters cast 681 votes in Pulivendula and alleges widespread electoral malpractice by TDP.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has sparked a major controversy by alleging a massive Pulivendula polling data discrepancy, questioning the integrity of the municipal polling figures released by the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission.
The 'Others' Category Mystery
Taking to the social media platform X, the YSRCP highlighted a startling gap between the official voter lists and the final poll numbers. According to a report shared by the party, the official figures indicate that 681 votes were recorded under the ‘Others’ category out of a total of 54,532 votes cast.
However, the party claims that the corresponding voter list for that specific category contained only 14 registered voters. This has led the YSRCP to pose a blunt question to the authorities: “How can 14 voters cast 681 votes?” The party is now demanding an immediate explanation from election officials and a comprehensive scrutiny of the polling data to uncover the truth.
Allegations of Widespread Malpractice
This data discrepancy is part of a larger series of complaints regarding irregularities during the municipal polling in Pulivendula. YSRCP president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has personally intervened, meeting with the Returning Officer (RO) to submit a formal representation against the conduct of the elections.
Jagan Mohan Reddy leveled several serious accusations against the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the local administration, claiming that democracy was being systematically undermined. His allegations include:
- Blocking Agents: Approximately 70 YSRCP polling agents were allegedly barred from entering polling booths.
- Violence and Intimidation: Claims that TDP workers dragged YSRCP agents out of stations and occupied booths as early as 4 am to intimidate voters.
- Physical Assaults: The YSRCP president alleged that the party's chairperson candidate, Pramilamma, was attacked, and a polling agent named Sunanda suffered a fractured hand.
- Voter Suppression: Allegations that women were threatened, voter slips were forcibly snatched, and genuine voters were prevented from entering the stations.
Police Complicity and Bogus Voting
The YSRCP has further accused the police of acting in favor of the ruling party. Jagan alleged that police personnel supported TDP workers and obstructed YSRCP agents, resorting to lathi-charges in multiple locations. In one specific instance, he claimed a YSRCP councillor candidate was forcibly taken away in a police jeep.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Jagan alleged that bogus voting was rampant, occurring even before the arrival of genuine voters at the polling stations.
Protest for Justice
Following his meeting with the Returning Officer, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy staged a sit-in protest outside the RO's office in Pulivendula. He continues to demand justice for the party's polling agents and a detailed, transparent examination of the polling data to address the alleged electoral malpractice.