The ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of electoral manipulation and violence during the Mandal Parishad President (MPP) polls in Andhra Pradesh. According to YSRCP, TDP leaders engaged in coercion, intimidation, and collusion with law enforcement to influence election outcomes.
YSRCP Alleges Widespread Electoral Disruptions
YSRCP has reported multiple incidents of electoral interference across various districts. In Ramagiri (Chittoor), YSRCP claims that its candidates were detained by police to prevent them from filing nominations, resulting in the postponement of the election. In Penukonda (Anantapur), the party alleges that a Dalit MPTC member was abducted by TDP activists to force defection. In Kambadur, YSRCP reports that officials were attacked, power was disrupted, and bribery allegations emerged following an MPP election.
YSRCP has also alleged that in West Godavari, TDP supporters blocked roads, delaying elections, while a presiding officer collapsed during clashes in Yelamanchili. The party claims that TDP intimidation tactics led to quorum shortages in Palnadu, disruptions in Gopalavaram, and election boycotts in Gandlapenta.
YSRCP Calls for Legal Action
According to YSRCP, these incidents reflect a larger pattern of TDP aggression, particularly in Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Kuppam stronghold. The party has accused law enforcement of bias and complicity and has called for judicial intervention to ensure electoral fairness. YSRCP leaders have announced plans to approach the High Court to challenge what they describe as electoral sabotage by TDP.
YSRCP Warns of Threats to Democracy
YSRCP leaders argue that widespread violence and irregularities in local elections threaten the integrity of Andhra Pradesh’s democratic system. The party warns that if these disruptions are not addressed, public confidence in the electoral process may be severely impacted. With tensions escalating, YSRCP asserts that legal battles will be crucial in determining the future of the state’s political landscape.
