Amaravati, Oct 18: YSRCP chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has strongly criticised the Chandrababu Naidu government over alleged attacks and obstruction of opposition candidates during the local body election nomination process.
Speaking at a press conference at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli on Sunday, Jagan alleged that YSRCP candidates had faced attacks, threats, police interference and difficulties in filing their nominations in several parts of Andhra Pradesh over the past three days.
He accused the ruling coalition of misusing government machinery to prevent opposition candidates from participating in the elections.
YS Jagan Questions Law and Order in Andhra Pradesh
Jagan questioned whether constitutional governance and the rule of law were being followed in the state.
He alleged that candidates who approached nomination centres were being obstructed, arrested and subjected to lathi charges. He also claimed that nomination papers were being snatched away and that election officials were refusing to accept nominations in some cases.
According to Jagan, the police were not acting impartially and were allegedly supporting leaders of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
He demanded that the government ensure a fair and democratic election process.
Jagan Raises Concerns Over Election Preparations
The YSRCP chief also questioned the timing and preparation of the local body elections.
He alleged that the election schedule was announced soon after reservations were finalised, without adequately completing the voter list process.
He also raised concerns over ward and division delimitation, claiming that the process had not been conducted fairly.
Jagan further alleged that candidates were facing difficulties in obtaining caste certificates and no-dues certificates required for filing nominations.
He claimed that preventive police action, including binding-over proceedings, was being used to intimidate YSRCP leaders and candidates.
Punganur Incident: Allegations of Attack on Mithun Reddy
Jagan alleged that YSRCP MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy and other party leaders were attacked in Punganur.
He claimed that several vehicles were damaged and that Mithun Reddy was prevented from filing nomination despite being a Member of Parliament.
Jagan also criticised attempts to bring the liquor bottle issue into the discussion, alleging that the focus was being shifted away from the incident.
The allegations have raised concerns over the safety of candidates and party leaders during the nomination process.
Tirupati Nomination Controversy
Jagan also raised allegations regarding incidents in Tirupati.
He claimed that YSRCP mayoral candidate Vasu Yadav was prevented from filing his nomination.
He further alleged that nomination papers were snatched from the hands of MP Gurumoorthy when he went to support the candidate.
Jagan also referred to an alleged attack involving SM Niyaz and his wife during the nomination process.
He accused the police of remaining silent while ruling party leaders allegedly threatened opposition candidates at nomination centres.
YSRCP Questions State Election Commission
Jagan expressed serious concerns over the functioning of the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission.
He alleged that officials responsible for conducting free and fair elections were not acting independently.
He called on the police, Director General of Police (DGP), Home Minister and State Election Commission to respond to the incidents and take steps to protect candidates.
The YSRCP chief stressed that opposition candidates must be allowed to file nominations without fear, threats or interference.
Jagan Criticises Coalition Government Over Unfulfilled Promises
Jagan said the YSRCP had secured victories in local body elections during its previous government based on its welfare and development programmes.
He accused the current TDP-led coalition government of failing to fulfil its Super Six and Super Seven promises.
He alleged that the ruling government was afraid of facing the opposition in a fair election and was therefore attempting to obstruct YSRCP candidates at the nomination stage itself.
The allegations made by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy have brought the local body election nomination process in Andhra Pradesh into focus. The YSRCP has raised concerns over alleged attacks, nomination-related obstacles and police inaction.
