Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Y.S. Sharmila allege irregularities in Andhra Pradesh municipal polls, seek action and repolling at affected booths.
YSRCP chief questions State Election Commission over repolling in Pulivendula
APCC chief seeks fresh polling at booths where violations are alleged
Amaravati: YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila have accused the ruling coalition of large-scale irregularities during the municipal elections in the State. Both leaders questioned the conduct of the polling process and called for action by the State Election Commission.
In a post on X, Jagan alleged that the State Election Commission had failed to act independently and was favouring the ruling government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He claimed that incidents reported from several municipalities across the State pointed to widespread electoral malpractice.
Referring to Pulivendula, Jagan alleged that TDP supporters prevented YSRCP polling agents from entering or remaining at 70 of the 80 polling booths. He further claimed that outsiders were brought into the constituency and that, with police support, they attacked party agents and forced them out of polling stations.
Jagan also alleged that voter slips were snatched, polling booths were captured and rigging and vote cycling took place. He said his party had video evidence to support these allegations.
Questioning the decision to order repolling in only four booths despite alleged irregularities at 70 polling stations, Jagan described the move as inadequate. He questioned whether such a process could be considered free and fair elections.
The YSRCP chief alleged that similar incidents had occurred beyond Pulivendula, naming Kadapa, Tirupati, Kurnool, Guntur, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam corporations, as well as Macherla, Kuppam, Puttur and Nandyal municipalities. He said his party would pursue legal action to protect democratic rights and ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, APCC president Y.S. Sharmila accused the ruling coalition of resorting to rigging, booth capturing and intimidation during the elections. In a statement on social media, she alleged that the government had misused its authority to influence the electoral process.
Sharmila claimed that the coalition was attempting to secure victories through bogus voting and booth capturing because of a lack of public support. She also criticised the functioning of the State Election Commission, alleging that it had failed to ensure transparency and impartiality.
Demanding immediate intervention by the State Election Commission, Sharmila called for repolling at every polling station where video evidence indicated booth capturing, bogus voting or intimidation. She also sought an impartial examination of webcasting and CCTV footage from all polling stations.
Further, she urged the authorities to initiate strict disciplinary action against returning officers, presiding officers and police personnel allegedly involved in or supportive of electoral malpractice.
The allegations by Jagan and Sharmila come amid political controversy over the conduct of the municipal elections. The claims and demands raised by the opposition leaders require examination by the Election Commission and relevant authorities.
