Tadepalli, Nov 11: YSRCP president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of large-scale irregularities in the recent local body elections. He claimed that the YSR Congress Party’s vote share increased compared to the 2024 elections despite alleged intimidation, electoral malpractice and manipulation of counting procedures.
Jagan made these remarks during a meeting with YSRCP leaders from several districts at Tadepalli on Wednesday. The meeting focused on the conduct of local body elections and the alleged irregularities faced by party candidates.
Addressing the leaders, Jagan appreciated the party cadre for fighting strongly despite what he described as pressure and obstacles throughout the election process.
He said the alleged irregularities began with the announcement of the election schedule and continued until the counting of votes. Despite these challenges, the party’s vote share had reportedly increased compared to the 2024 Assembly elections.
Jagan stated that YSRCP could have secured a much higher vote percentage if the elections had been conducted freely and fairly.
Jagan Accuses Chandrababu Naidu of Election Manipulation
Jagan accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of using unfair methods to influence the election results. He alleged that the ruling party resorted to electoral manipulation to prevent the extent of public dissatisfaction with the government from becoming evident.
He further claimed that new methods of election malpractice were introduced during the polls and that results were manipulated even in places where YSRCP candidates had secured victories.
Jagan also criticised Chandrababu Naidu for referring to alleged irregularities during the previous YSRCP government to defend the actions of the current administration. He questioned the ruling party’s claims about protecting democracy while allegedly engaging in electoral malpractice.
YSRCP Leaders Allege Counting Irregularities and Intimidation
YSRCP leaders who attended the meeting expressed dissatisfaction with the election process, stating that they had never witnessed such alleged irregularities during their political careers.
They accused the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission of failing to ensure free and fair elections.
The leaders raised several serious allegations regarding the election process:
- Kidnapping and intimidation: Relatives of candidates were allegedly kidnapped and pressured to withdraw their nominations.
- Rejection of votes: Several YSRCP votes were allegedly declared invalid during counting.
- Power disruptions: Electricity was allegedly switched off at counting centres to facilitate manipulation of results.
- Repeated recounting: Recounts were allegedly conducted multiple times in areas where YSRCP candidates had won, with results subsequently changed.
- Denial of recounting: Requests for recounting from YSRCP candidates were allegedly rejected.
- Additional ballot papers: Leaders alleged that additional ballot papers were provided to candidates supported by the ruling party.
- Deployment of bouncers: Bouncers were allegedly deployed at counting centres instead of relying on authorised election agents.
The leaders also alleged that attacks and intimidation during the elections had affected people in several villages across Andhra Pradesh.
Jagan Calls on Party Cadre to Continue Fighting
Jagan maintained that the increase in YSRCP’s vote share, despite the alleged irregularities, reflected the party’s continued public support.
He also accused the ruling party of attempting to justify its actions by making allegations against the previous YSRCP government.
The meeting concluded with discussions on the election experience, alleged violations and the party’s performance across different districts.
The allegations made by YSRCP leaders have not been independently verified.
