Congress chief Y.S. Sharmila alleges electoral intimidation in Andhra Pradesh urban polls

Andhra Pradesh Congress president Y.S. Sharmila has accused the ruling TDP‑led alliance of large‑scale intimidation and electoral malpractice in the state’s recent urban local body elections. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, she said the victories claimed by the Telugu Desam Party, Jana Sena Party and Bharatiya Janata Party did not reflect the people's mandate. Sharmila alleged that the ruling alliance misused official machinery, brought the Election Commission under its influence and deployed police to suppress opposition candidates. She described these actions as authoritarian conduct that threatens democratic institutions and undermines electoral integrity. Sharmila warned that such practices jeopardise the constitutional right to vote and damage Andhra Pradesh’s reputation at the national level. She urged citizens to recognise the danger to democratic accountability and to demand transparent, free and fair elections. ## Context The allegations come amid growing concerns about the independence of electoral bodies in Indian states, where ruling parties are sometimes accused of leveraging state resources to influence local elections.