Amaravati, Oct 18: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy met Governor S. Abdul Nazeer at Lok Bhavan on Sunday and complained about alleged irregularities and attacks during the Urban Local Body election nomination process. He urged the Governor to intervene and ensure free and fair elections through the deployment of Central forces and CCTV surveillance across the election process.
YS Jagan Alleges Attacks on Opposition Candidates
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Jagan alleged that YSRCP candidates were being prevented from filing nominations while supporters of the ruling TDP-led coalition were allowed into nomination centres. He accused the police of favouring the ruling alliance instead of ensuring a fair election process.
Jagan told the Governor about alleged attacks on YSRCP candidates, the tearing up of nomination papers and the filing of serious criminal cases against Opposition candidates. He also raised concerns over the treatment of YSRCP MPs Avinash Reddy, P. Mithun Reddy and Gurumoorthy at nomination centres.
He further alleged that police firing had taken place during the incidents and that active YSRCP workers were being targeted through what he described as a conspiracy to bind them over.
Nomination Figures Raise Concerns
Jagan highlighted the scale of the alleged disruptions during the nomination process across Andhra Pradesh.
According to the figures he presented, no nominations were filed in eight locations. In 19 locations, only 36 per cent of the expected nomination papers were filed, while nomination papers submitted by YSRCP candidates were allegedly torn up in eight other locations.
In Pulivendula, only 19 nominations were filed across 36 wards, which Jagan cited as an example of the difficulties faced by Opposition candidates.
Demand for Central Forces and CCTV Surveillance
Jagan urged the Governor to take steps to protect the democratic process and ensure that every eligible candidate is allowed to file nomination papers without intimidation.
He called for the deployment of Central forces and comprehensive CCTV surveillance to prevent further violence and ensure transparency throughout the elections.
He also said the party would explore all available options, including legal remedies, to address the alleged irregularities.
Jagan Appeals to Public to Protect Democracy
Jagan described the alleged incidents as an attack on democracy and appealed to YSRCP workers to continue their struggle peacefully. He expressed confidence that the situation would change in the coming days.
“Denying people who wish to contest elections the opportunity to file nominations is a stain on democracy,” Jagan said, criticising Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over the alleged restrictions on Opposition candidates.
He also appealed to the public and all concerned authorities to ensure that local body elections are conducted fairly and that every eligible candidate gets an equal opportunity to contest.
The YSRCP has sought the Governor’s intervention, demanding stronger security measures and safeguards to ensure a transparent and democratic election process in Andhra Pradesh.
