Ex-Legislator Demands State Election Body Investigate Poll Tampering Claims

UPDATE - follow-up to Former MLA seeks SEC probe into poll irregularities in S. Kota constituency: Former legislative assembly member Kadubandi Srinivasa Rao has formally urged the State Election Commission to launch an inquiry into wide-ranging electoral malpractice during recent local body polls in the Vizianagaram district.

Election Claims

Mr. Rao stated that voting staff manipulated outcomes to favor the ruling coalition while opposition candidates were ahead during initial counting stages. He pointed out that despite these obstacles, his party secured the Jami ZPTC seat and multiple MPTC positions in the region. He also traveled to Tadepalli near Vijayawada alongside winning local representatives to brief the party head about the situation.

Party Stance

An official statement from the former politician revealed plans to submit comprehensive written evidence regarding narrow defeat margins to ensure a fair investigation. He maintained that his political group expanded its support base despite administrative bias and predicted a strong comeback in the upcoming 2029 assembly elections.

Context

State election watchdogs generally function as independent entities responsible for conducting local body polls fairly and resolving disputes arising from the voting process. Local body elections in India are overseen by respective state election commissions rather than the central body, ensuring grassroots governance operates according to established legal frameworks.