YSRCP leaders complain of violence in local body bypolls in A.P.

A delegation of YSRCP leaders, including MLA Thathiparthi Chandrasekhar, MLC Lella Appi Reddy, former MLA Malladi Vishnu, and NTR district YSRCP president Devineni Avinash, met State Election Commissioner Nilam Sawhney on Monday to file a complaint regarding electoral violence, particularly in Tuni.

Drawing the SEC’s attention to the recent developments during the municipal byelections in the State, they said elections had been taking place over the past few days to fill the vacant positions in various municipalities and corporations. During this period, the TDP and some of its alliance partners had been engaging in ‘severe acts of lawlessness, openly murdering democracy in broad daylight’. On February 17, the ruling party leaders conducted themselves in a manner that buried democracy in the constituencies of Tuni, Piduguralla, and Palakonda, they alleged.

‘’Even though there were no members from their party in Tuni and Piduguralla, they resorted to threats and goondaism to seize those positions. The TDP leaders and workers intentionally created chaos and resorted to violence, leading to the election being postponed twice already. Today, too, they obstructed the election. They even attacked the homes of our party’s councillors. Given the severe misuse of power in the municipal byelections, we respectfully request the cancellation of today’s election in Piduguralla,’‘ they said, adding, ‘‘We also request that the election in Tuni is held under strict security and that our party’s councillors be provided with protection. We urge you to kindly consider these matters and issue appropriate directives.’‘

Mr. Chandrasekhar alleged that democracy in the State was being undermined by intimidation tactics, questioning how TDP could win in areas where they lacked representation. 

Mr.  Appi Reddy accused the Election Commission of inaction despite repeated complaints, and called for urgent intervention.

Mr.  Vishnu highlighted violent incidents in Palakonda, Piduguralla, and Tuni, condemning the attack on the Tuni Municipal Chairman’s residence. He warned that inaction by authorities would set a dangerous precedent. 

Mr. Avinash accused the TDP of using fear and violence to manipulate election results. 

The delegation demanded the cancellation of the Piduguralla election and immediate action to ensure free and fair polls in Andhra Pradesh.