YSRCP alleges irregularities in local body poll nomination process

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Guntur district president and former Minister Ambati Rambabu and former MLA Namburu Sankara Rao on Saturday alleged irregularities in the nomination process for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh and urged the authorities to ensure free and fair polls.

Addressing separate media conferences in Guntur, the leaders alleged that opposition candidates were prevented from filing nominations at some centres and that nomination papers were snatched or torn in the presence of police personnel. They also alleged intimidation of candidates, restrictions on party leaders and improper treatment of women candidates.

Mr. Rambabu alleged that the State government, police and State Election Commission had failed to ensure a level playing field. He said the YSRCP had identified 54 police personnel against whom it would pursue legal action for alleged violations.

Mr. Sankara Rao alleged that YSRCP candidates faced obstacles in filing nominations in Amaravati mandal of Pedakurapadu Assembly constituency in Palnadu district. He urged the police, district administration and election authorities to provide adequate security to all candidates and investigate the reported incidents.