Local Body Polls Were Undemocratic, Claims YSRCP MLC Duvvada Srinivas

Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council member Duvvada Srinivas has alleged that recent local body elections in Srikakulam district and other parts of the State were not conducted in a fair and democratic way. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, he claimed that the ruling party could simply choose to appoint its preferred leaders to posts like zilla parishad chairpersons, mayors, municipal chiefs, ZPTC members and MPTC members rather than holding proper elections.

Election Process

Mr. Srinivas stated that opposition candidates faced serious hurdles throughout the entire electoral process. These difficulties ranged from filing nomination papers and getting certificates checked to voting day and the final counting of votes.

Allegations

He accused the government of misusing police and administrative power to win the polls through unfair means. He further charged that vote counting was altered in multiple areas, resulting in candidates from his party who actually won with a majority being declared as defeated.

Context

Local body elections in India often see sharp political disputes between ruling and opposition parties over administrative control at the grassroots level. Allegations of state machinery misuse and vote manipulation during local polls are common features of political rivalry in various states.