Amaravati, Oct 20: Allegations of attacks and intimidation against women candidates of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) during Andhra Pradesh’s urban local body elections have triggered criticism of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Several women candidates have alleged that they were assaulted, prevented from filing nominations or had their nomination papers torn up.
In Pulivendula, YSRCP leader Sunita Reddy alleged that police prevented her and around 20 women candidates from reaching the nomination centre on October 18, the final day for filing nominations. She also alleged that police used lathis against a vehicle carrying women candidates during an earlier incident.
In Kadapa, YSRCP candidate Swarnalatha alleged that TDP supporters attacked her while she was attempting to file her nomination from the 51st division and tore up her papers. Dalit former councillor Kamalamma also alleged that her nomination papers were snatched during an incident near the nomination centre.
YSRCP mayoral candidate Bandi Deepthi Reddy, who successfully filed her nomination, alleged that unidentified men attacked her house on October 19 by throwing stones, knives and glass bottles, damaging windows.
In Tirupati, a YSRCP woman leader alleged that she was assaulted and her clothes and nomination papers were torn. Separately, corporator candidate Geetha Reddy and her husband protested after she allegedly faced obstacles in filing her nomination.
In Kanigiri, YSRCP alleged that nomination papers belonging to the mother of chairperson candidate Puli Shanthi were forcibly taken and torn. Councillor candidate Sameera reportedly broke down in tears after allegedly being prevented from filing her nomination.
Caste-related allegations have also emerged. In Gooty, YSRCP claimed that the nomination of Dalit candidate Anjala was rejected over an allegedly invalid caste certificate. In Atmakur, Nandyal district, Scheduled Tribe candidate Priyanka Bayini allegedly had her caste certificate torn up by a TDP leader.
The YSRCP has accused the ruling party of using intimidation to obstruct opposition candidates and questioned the police response to the alleged incidents. The party has approached State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha and the Supreme Court, seeking action and an extension of the nomination period.
The allegations have drawn particular criticism because the incidents occurred during Devi Navaratri, a festival celebrating the strength and dignity of women. Opposition leaders have questioned the contrast between public celebrations of women’s empowerment and allegations that women candidates were humiliated while exercising their democratic rights.
The allegations require impartial investigation. However, every eligible candidate must be allowed to file nominations without intimidation, regardless of political affiliation, caste or gender. The Election Commission and police must ensure that women candidates receive adequate protection and that anyone found responsible for violence or deliberate obstruction faces appropriate legal action.
