Andhra Pradesh, Nov 1: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy staged a sit-in protest outside the Returning Officer’s (RO) office in Pulivendula on Sunday, November 1, alleging that YSRCP polling agents were prevented from entering polling booths during the municipal elections. He staged the protest along with around 70 YSRCP polling agents and questioned election officials over the alleged irregularities.
During the protest, Jagan spoke to Returning Officer Srinivas and Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Chinnaiah, demanding explanations for the alleged obstruction of YSRCP agents. He also lodged a complaint with officials over the reported election violations.
Jagan Questions Election Officials Over Polling Arrangements
YS Jagan expressed strong dissatisfaction with the conduct of the elections in Pulivendula. He alleged that TDP supporters were interfering with the polling process and questioned the absence of CCTV cameras at polling stations.
“An election should involve a fair contest. Everywhere, we can see TDP supporters, while CCTV cameras are missing at polling stations,” Jagan said, questioning the officials over the alleged lapses.
He warned that the failure of officials to respond to complaints could threaten the democratic process. Jagan also alleged that evidence of election irregularities was available and questioned how such incidents could occur in the constituency represented by a former Chief Minister.
He called for free, fair and transparent elections and demanded accountability from the authorities.
YSRCP Alleges Booth Capturing and Rigging
Jagan accused the ruling coalition of allegedly influencing the polling process in Pulivendula. He claimed that polling booths had been captured and that votes were being cast under circumstances that raised serious concerns about the fairness of the election.
Questioning the conduct of the polls, he asked why the government was not ensuring a level playing field for the opposition. He also criticised the alleged attempts to secure unopposed victories without giving opposition candidates a fair opportunity to contest.
Jagan further expressed anger over the possibility of police action against protesters, saying that the priority should be to ensure that voters can exercise their franchise freely.
The YSRCP chief demanded that election officials take immediate steps to address the complaints and protect the integrity of the polling process.
YSRCP Candidates Demand Repolling
Earlier, YSRCP leaders and candidates staged a separate protest over the alleged obstruction of polling agents and attacks during the election process.
YSRCP chairperson candidate YS Pramilamma and other candidates joined the protest, demanding repolling in the affected areas. Party leaders alleged that polling booths had been occupied early in the day and that attacks had taken place despite the presence of voters, polling agents and media personnel.
The party called on the State Election Commission (SEC) to investigate the complaints and take immediate action against those responsible for any confirmed violations.
Police Stop Avinash Reddy From Entering RO Office
YSRCP leaders also alleged that police prevented party leader Avinash Reddy from entering the Returning Officer’s office. According to the party, the RO office was locked after officials learned that candidates were arriving.
The party maintained that the alleged incidents had raised serious concerns about the conduct of the elections in Pulivendula. It urged the State Election Commission to examine the complaints, investigate the available evidence and take appropriate action.
The developments have intensified the political confrontation between the YSRCP and the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh. The allegations concerning polling agents, booth access and election procedures require examination by the competent election authorities.
