Tadepalli: YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) State General Secretary and MLC Lella Appireddy has demanded the immediate postponement of municipal by-elections in Andhra Pradesh, citing widespread violence and malpractice by the TDP-led coalition government. Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli, he accused the TDP of resorting to threats, inducements, and attacks to manipulate election outcomes.
Key Allegations by YSRCP:
- TDP’s Undemocratic Tactics: Alleged bribery, intimidation, and violence to sway YSRCP corporators and councilors.
- Election Commission’s Role: Urged the Election Commission to intervene immediately and ensure a fair election process.
- Police Inaction: Claimed that law enforcement agencies remained mere spectators while TDP engaged in violent acts.
- Tirupati Violence: Accused TDP leaders of attacking vehicles carrying YSRCP corporators, including Tirupati Mayor Sirisha and MP Dr. Gurumurthy.
- Hindupur Kidnappings: Alleged that YSRCP corporators were abducted in Hindupur to prevent them from participating in the elections.
Appireddy specifically condemned TDP’s actions in Tirupati, a revered spiritual hub, stating that the party was tarnishing its sanctity through violence. He recalled past incidents, including stone-pelting on Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s convoy during Chandrababu Naidu’s tenure and recent stampedes during Vaikuntha Ekadashi, which resulted in multiple deaths.
He warned that the TDP’s abuse of power and electoral manipulation would not go unchallenged. The YSRCP has already lodged complaints with the Election Commission and is prepared to take further legal action if necessary. He called upon democratic supporters across the state to condemn TDP’s anti-democratic actions.
