Amaravati, Oct 16: YSRCP chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy strongly condemned the attack on Rajampet MP P. V. Mithun Reddy in Punganur during the municipal election nomination process. He alleged that TDP workers obstructed YSRCP candidates from filing nominations and that the police failed to prevent the violence.
Jagan also condemned the reported attacks in Rayachoti, Tirupati, Dharmavaram, Kadapa and Dachepalli. He demanded immediate action against those responsible and called on the State Election Commission (SEC) to ensure free and fair elections.
Attack on Mithun Reddy in Punganur
According to Jagan, TDP workers attacked Mithun Reddy’s convoy when the MP visited Punganur to support YSRCP candidates filing their nominations. He alleged that the attackers used stones, sticks and iron rods, injured security personnel, damaged vehicles and obstructed candidates from submitting their nomination papers.
Jagan further alleged that officials failed to accept the nomination papers even after the candidates waited for more than three hours.
As tensions increased, Mithun Reddy was moved to a separate room at the nomination centre. He reportedly insisted on remaining there until the nomination process was completed.
Jagan questioned the security arrangements, stating that if a Lok Sabha Floor Leader was not safe, ordinary citizens could face even greater difficulties.
Violence Reported in Rayachoti and Other Areas
Jagan also alleged that TDP workers attacked the office of former MLA Srikanth Reddy in Rayachoti and set the office and vehicles on fire. He said YSRCP workers were injured in the incident.
In Tirupati, a woman candidate’s nomination papers were allegedly snatched and torn. Jagan also reported attacks on party leaders and candidates in Dharmavaram and Kadapa.
In Kadapa, he alleged that the party’s 30th Division candidate was prevented from proceeding with the nomination process and that papers submitted to the Returning Officer were snatched and torn.
Jagan further alleged that police inaction allowed such incidents to continue. In Dachepalli, he claimed that police detained a Nagar Panchayat chairman candidate to prevent him from filing a nomination.
These allegations were made by Jagan in his statement on X.
Jagan Demands Central Forces for Local Body Elections
Jagan accused the Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government of misusing government machinery to obstruct opposition candidates. He said violence and threats would not stop YSRCP from participating in the elections.
He demanded that every reported incident be investigated and that those responsible, including officials who enabled the alleged violence, be held accountable.
Jagan called on the State Election Commission to intervene immediately and ensure that all affected candidates get an opportunity to file their nominations. He also demanded the deployment of Central forces to provide security during the election process.
Demand for Transparent Election Procedures
Jagan proposed additional safeguards to ensure transparency and prevent electoral malpractice. His demands included:
- Centralised or transparent online nomination facilities.
- Live CCTV footage at polling stations.
- Live CCTV monitoring of strong rooms to prevent tampering with ballot boxes.
- CCTV coverage at counting centres to monitor counting and verify ballot paper account signatures.
- Deployment of Central government paramilitary forces to ensure free and fair elections.
Jagan said YSRCP would continue its democratic fight and would not give in to threats. He urged the election authorities to protect candidates’ rights and ensure that voters could choose their representatives without fear.
