Local body polls in Andhra Pradesh: YSRCP welcomes Supreme Court directions, urges SEC to ensure free and fair elections

Welcoming the Supreme Court’s directions on the local body elections in Andhra Pradesh, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) State coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy on Wednesday urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to exercise its powers to ensure free and fair polls.

The apex court on Wednesday held that the YSRCP had made out a prima facie case in its plea seeking an extension of time to file nominations for the urban local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. It directed the State Election Commission to postpone the publication of the final list of candidates till October 25.

Addressing the media at the YSRCP’s central office at Tadepalli, Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy alleged that attacks on the opposition candidates, obstruction of nominations and tearing of nomination papers continued, despite the court’s intervention.

He claimed that 76 incidents, including attacks, police-assisted detentions, house arrests, threats and seizure or destruction of nomination papers, were reported from 11 districts on Wednesday. He said the YSRCP would bring the latest incidents to the Supreme Court’s notice.

Welcoming the court’s directions on complaints concerning municipal elections, he said the SEC should act against officials allegedly favouring the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). He urged the SEC to obtain reports from the District Collectors and Superintendents of Police and ensure CCTV surveillance at the nomination centres.

Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy alleged that opposition candidates were facing pressure to withdraw nominations, threats of false criminal cases and obstruction during scrutiny. According to him, complaints to the SEC and police authorities had failed to resolve the problems, forcing the party to approach the Supreme Court.

The YSRCP leader accused the A.P. government of attempting to blame the opposition for the violence.

He maintained that the YSRCP workers were exercising restraint and relying on legal remedies. The SEC and the Director-General of Police were expected to comply with the Supreme Court’s directions and submit the required compliance report, he said.

“The YSRCP has faith in the judiciary. We expect that the electoral process be conducted in accordance with the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, YSRCP leaders demanded that the opposition party candidates be provided with protection and that action be taken against the officials resorting to partisan conduct and acting under political influence.

YSRCP MLC Lella Appi Reddy, after submitting a representation to the SEC, said irregularities related to nomination for ZPTC and MPTC elections were recurring.

Citing incidents in Kadapa and Madanapalle, he said some injured candidates had been hospitalised.

Former MLA T.J.R. Sudhakar Babu said the party candidates could not file nominations in 459 of the 722 wards across 19 urban local bodies. He cited alleged obstructions during nomination process in Piduguralla, Gurazala, Punganur, Rayachoti and Dachepalli and demanded that the Chief Minister must accept moral responsibility.

He called for the resignation of the Director-General of Police and the Home Minister.

Former Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy and MP Peddireddi Midhun Reddy alleged that cases were being filed against YSRCP leaders while those responsible for attacks were not being held accountable.