Andhra Pradesh, Nov 1: YSRCP chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly criticised the police response during the local body elections in Pulivendula, alleging widespread electoral malpractice and attacks on opposition leaders and voters. He accused the TDP-led NDA government of undermining democracy and allowing ruling party supporters to interfere with the polling process.
Speaking to the media in Pulivendula, Jagan alleged that TDP supporters had taken control of several polling stations and were preventing voters from exercising their democratic right. He questioned how elections could be considered fair when opposition polling agents and voters were allegedly being denied access to polling booths.
According to Jagan, YSRCP agents were prevented from entering 70 out of the 80 polling booths in Pulivendula. He also alleged that bogus voting was taking place at several locations. He claimed that TDP supporters had taken control of polling stations as early as 4 AM, while police personnel were allegedly turning away people who came to cast their votes.
Jagan further alleged that repeated calls to district Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Collectors had received no response. He claimed that YSRCP candidate Pramilamma was attacked and that voter slips were forcibly taken away. Voters were allegedly being sent back after being told that their votes had already been cast. He also accused the police of forcibly arresting councilor candidates.
Jagan Alleges Attacks on Media Personnel
Jagan also raised concerns over alleged attacks on journalists covering the election-related incidents. He claimed that cameras belonging to India Today and NTV were damaged while reporters were attacked for recording alleged electoral irregularities.
Apart from Pulivendula, Jagan alleged that voters were being prevented from casting their votes in Jammalamadugu, Chittoor, Macherla, Tadipatri and Madanapalle.
Questions Police and State Election Commission
Criticising the police response, Jagan alleged that officers were failing to act against those involved in attacks and electoral violations, despite such incidents taking place in front of them.
He also accused the State Election Commission (SEC) of failing to implement Supreme Court directions regarding election monitoring and security arrangements. Raising concerns over video recording and CCTV camera coverage at polling stations, he questioned how elections could be conducted fairly without the presence of opposition polling agents.
Jagan Demands Repolling in Pulivendula
In view of the alleged irregularities, attacks and obstruction of voters, Jagan announced that he would approach the Returning Officer and request the cancellation of the polling process in Pulivendula and conduct fresh polling.
He maintained that voters must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation or political interference.
The allegations have raised fresh concerns over the conduct of local body elections in Andhra Pradesh, particularly regarding voter access, polling station security and the role of the police and election authorities.
