Pulivendula (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 27 YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday accused the TDP-led NDA coalition government of undermining democracy during the ongoing local body elections in the state.
Addressing YSRCP cadres in Pulivendula, the former CM alleged that the ruling NDA coalition was misusing official machinery and preventing opposition candidates from filing nominations out of fear of facing voters in a fair electoral contest.
“The Naidu-led NDA coalition government is undermining democracy by manipulating the ongoing local body elections and preventing opposition candidates from contesting freely,” Jagan said.
He said elections should be conducted on a level playing field, with equal opportunities for all contestants, and alleged that intimidation and obstruction had compromised the nomination process.
Comparing Naidu to Sakuni, a character in the Mahabharata known for deceit, Jagan accused the ruling coalition of attempting to secure electoral victories by preventing opposition candidates from contesting rather than winning the people’s mandate.
“You contest, I contest, and whoever receives the people’s vote should win. That is democracy. Preventing opponents from contesting and then claiming victory is shameful,” he said.
Jagan said the NDA coalition was celebrating its gains in 17 urban local bodies, including 15 chairperson posts for the TDP and one each for Janasena and the BJP.
The opposition leader alleged that nominations were accepted in only 20 of the 40 wards in Pulivendula, while contests were held in just four of the seven ZPTC seats.
He alleged that nomination papers were snatched or torn and some were rejected during scrutiny, while candidates were obstructed from filing their papers at designated centres.
Jagan further alleged that candidates were prevented from filing nominations on several occasions and that police refused to transport them to nomination centres to facilitate the process.
“Our nomination papers were torn in the presence of police and officials. Our rights were snatched away. If tomorrow the same happens to our property documents, what will be the situation?” he questioned.
He claimed that police resorted to a lathi-charge and fired 37 rounds, injuring two people in their legs. Stun shells and smoke shells were also deployed, he alleged.
Jagan alleged that attempt-to-murder cases were registered against 924 people in Pulivendula and accused the State Election Commission, district collectors and police officials of failing to ensure a fair electoral process.
In Kadapa district, he claimed, contests were prevented in 17 of the 39 ZPTC seats, with nominations not accepted in six places and rejected in another 11 after midnight during scrutiny.
He also alleged that women candidates were obstructed at check-posts and on roads, attacked and deprived of their nomination papers despite the provision of 50 per cent reservation for women.
Jagan accused the NDA coalition of failing to fulfil its election promises and claimed that 143 promises remained unfulfilled after three years in office.
Jagan alleged that there had been no change in the conduct of the Naidu government, State Election Commission, Collectors and Superintendents of Police despite directions from the Supreme Court.
He claimed that opposition candidates continued to face obstruction during the nomination process and accused officials of failing to ensure a fair electoral contest.
On Monday, Jagan met YSRCP leaders and public representatives from the Kadapa Municipal Corporation in Pulivendula to review election preparations and discuss reported attacks and threats during the nomination process.
He called for an impartial inquiry into the reported incidents and legal action against those responsible.
Jagan asked YSRCP leaders to unite behind Kadapa mayoral candidate B Deepti Reddy and urged officials to ensure transparent elections and adequate protection for candidates.
Calling for a statewide movement beginning in Pulivendula, Jagan said officials must act in accordance with the Constitution.
He announced that he would return to Pulivendula and cast his vote on polling day, urging people to exercise their franchise without fear.
(PTI News)
