ULB polls: YSRCP alleges intimidation of contestants, stages protest at SEC office

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders staged a sit-in at the office of the State Election Commission (SEC) in Vijayawada on Thursday, demanding action over alleged obstruction of nominations for the ZPTC and MPTC elections and intimidation of their candidates.

The protest began after State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha did not immediately grant them an appointment. The leaders demanded that the authorities receive their complaint and hold those responsible accountable. They submitted a representation after eventually securing an appointment.

Addressing the media later, MLCs Lella Appi Reddy and Kalpalatha Reddy, former MLA Malladi Vishnu and Jaggayyapeta constituency in-charge Tanneeru Nageswara Rao said the situation did not improve despite the Supreme Court’s directions.

Mr. Appi Reddy alleged that the YSRCP candidates faced attacks, arrests, and house arrests in several areas. He alleged that the police threatened to register “ganja cases” and open rowdy-sheets against those filing nominations, while the papers submitted to the officials had been snatched and torn.

He questioned how candidates could contest under such circumstances, and urged the SEC to verify ground-level conditions rather than rely solely on reports from officials. The party would approach the Supreme Court again, if necessary, he said.

Ms. Kalpalatha Reddy drew attention to Kuppam, where she alleged that women candidates had been attacked and their sarees pulled while they were attempting to file nominations. She urged the SEC to provide them protection and ensure that they could participate in the electoral process without intimidation.

Mr. Vishnu alleged that intimidation, inducements, kidnapping and attacks were being used to secure uncontested victories. He called for action against officials accused of partisan conduct and sought the SEC’s intervention over alleged errors in electoral rolls, polling stations located far from voters and attempts to secure uncontested victories through irregular means.

Referring to the court’s directions on candidate security and CCTV surveillance, he said the election authorities should ensure their effective implementation.