YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders on Friday accused the TDP of using violence, intimidation and official machinery to prevent opposition party candidates from filing their nominations in the local body elections, and sought urgent intervention by the State Election Commission (SEC).
A delegation, comprising MLCs Lella Appi Reddy and Kalpalatha Reddy, and party leader N. Chandrasekhar Reddy, lodged a complaint with State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha.
Speaking to the media outside the SEC office, Mr. Appi Reddy alleged that the party candidates continued to face obstruction on the final day of nominations. While YSRCP leaders were placed under house arrest, the ruling party candidates were allowed to move freely, he alleged, and accused the police and officials of acting in favour of the TDP. He also alleged that nomination papers were torn, candidates assaulted and cases filed against the victims.
Questioning the SEC’s response to the “irregularities,” he said despite the Supreme Court’s directions, relief had been extended to only four of the 19 affected municipalities.
Mr. Appi Reddy demanded an extension of the nomination deadline, adequate security for candidates and action against “fabricated nominations and withdrawals.” He also questioned the new deadlines for submitting B-forms and sought stringent action over alleged electoral irregularities, including cancellation of the TDP’s registration.
Ms. Kalpalatha Reddy condemned the alleged attacks on women candidates, including physical assaults and incidents of sarees being pulled. She questioned the silence of the Home Minister and demanded effective police protection and justice for those affected.
Mr. Chandrasekhar Reddy accused officials of remaining passive spectators during attacks on candidates and called for immediate action against those responsible rather than mere assurances.
The leaders condemned the alleged police assault on former Minister Vidadala Rajini in Chilakaluripet.
Published - October 23, 2026 08:16 pm IST