Save Tirupati's Sanctity: YSRCP Warns SEC Against Booth Rigging
YSRCP's Bhumana Abhinay Reddy urges the State Election Commission to prevent violence and booth rigging in the upcoming Tirupati Municipal Corporation elections.
As the Tirupati Municipal Corporation elections approach on November 1, 2026, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has sounded a loud alarm regarding the safety and fairness of the polling process. Tirupati YSRCP District President Bhumana Abhinay Reddy has formally appealed to the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC), the District Collector, and the Superintendent of Police to implement immediate preventive measures to thwart booth rigging, intimidation, and violence.
Death Threats and Nomination Chaos
The concerns are not merely theoretical. Abhinay Reddy highlighted a climate of fear, citing reports of death threats received by YSRCP corporator candidates and their polling agents. He pointed back to the nomination phase, which he described as chaotic, with reports of nomination papers being torn and candidates being obstructed. These grievances were so severe that the party has already approached the Hon'ble Supreme Court for intervention.
Reddy emphasized that the party is acting proactively to avoid post-election disputes. “We are informing the authorities in advance because we want to prevent violence and rigging, not merely seek action after something happens,” he stated, noting that signed complaints and video testimonies from candidates have already been submitted to the authorities.
Demands for High-Tech Surveillance
To ensure a transparent electoral process, the YSRCP has laid out a specific set of demands for the election authorities:
- Robust police protection at every single polling station.
- Guaranteed safe access for all candidates and their authorized polling agents.
- Strict prevention of unauthorized entry into booths to stop rigging.
- Implementation of live webcasting and CCTV surveillance, with a mandate to preserve all recordings for evidence.
A Call to Protect Spiritual Dignity
Beyond the political stakes, Abhinay Reddy invoked the spiritual importance of the city. Reminding officials that Tirupati is the sacred abode of Lord Sri Venkateswara, he urged them to protect the city's peace and dignity. He appealed for the protection of democracy, insisting that the election results should be decided by the will of the people rather than through fear or intimidation.
Allegations of Police Interference
The tension in the region is further compounded by recent complaints lodged by YSRCP MLC Lella Appireddy and former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu. The duo submitted audio and video evidence to the State Election Commissioner, alleging police intimidation and the use of inducements to influence the local-body elections.
During a media briefing, Appireddy demanded the suspension of Gudur DSP Narasimha Murthy and action against Nellore CI Seetharam. To support these claims, he played audio recordings that allegedly show the DSP contacting YSRCP leader Eddula Narendra Reddy regarding the withdrawal of candidates. Another recording reportedly features former Mayor Azeez and CI Seetharam discussing monetary inducements with a candidate.
Reports of Violence and Fraud
The party's submissions to the SEC also include alarming reports from other regions, including:
- Alleged interference during nomination appeals at the Anantapur RDO office.
- Reports of masked men brandishing knives in Nuzvid to intimidate voters and candidates.
- Claims that nominations were fraudulently filed in the names of YSRCP candidates in Palnadu.