Amaravati, Oct 25 : Andhra Pradesh’s local body elections have sparked a major political controversy, with the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) accusing the ruling TDP-led coalition of preventing opposition candidates from filing nominations. Opposition leaders have further alleged that the TDP filed fake nominations in the name of YSRCP candidates. These allegations have raised serious concerns about the conduct of free and fair elections in the state, according to political observers.
YSRCP Alleges Attacks and Fake Nominations
YSRCP has alleged that its candidates were threatened, stopped from entering nomination centres and prevented from filing their papers. The party also claims that some nomination papers were forcibly taken away and torn.
In another serious allegation, YS Jagan claims that TDP leaders and supporters filed nominations in the name of YSRCP without proper authorisation. According to the party, these fake nominations were intended to create confusion and help the ruling party secure uncontested victories by withdrawing the nominations later.
Allegations from Ramakuppam, Chakrayapeta
In Ramakuppam mandal, in Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Kuppam constituency, allegations have emerged that Devika, the wife of TDP leader Srinivasulu, and other TDP-linked individuals filed nominations in the name of YSRCP candidates.
In Chakrayapeta mandal, under the Pulivendula constituency, YSRCP claims that none of the 11 nominations filed in its name belonged to its authorised candidates.
Similar allegations have been reported from Dachepalli, Achampet, Kambham and Yerragondapalem. Photographs said to be related to some of these incidents have also circulated on social media.
YSRCP has questioned whether these nominations had the required party authorisation documents, including Form A and Form B. The claims need to be checked against official election records.
Videos Spark Wider Debate
Videos allegedly showing attacks on opposition candidates have spread across social media, drawing reactions from public figures and commentators, including Prashant Bhushan, Dhruv Rathee and Mohammed Zubair.
The incidents have raised questions about political intimidation and the role of the police during elections.
YSRCP has criticised the ruling coalition over the allegations, arguing that preventing opposition candidates from contesting undermines democracy. An impartial investigation is needed to establish the facts.
