Left parties accuse Andhra Pradesh ruling alliance of subverting democracy in local body polls

Left party leaders in Andhra Pradesh have accused the TDP-led National Democratic Alliance government of misusing official machinery and police to stop opposition candidates from filing nomination papers for local body elections. Addressing a press conference in Vijayawada on Friday, CPI State secretary Gujjula Eswaraiah and CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao alleged that candidates backed by the Left and the INDIA bloc faced intimidation, attacks, kidnapping, and obstruction across several districts. Mr. Eswaraiah stated that CPI candidates were blocked in Kadapa, a party candidate was kidnapped in the Pithapuram constituency of Kakinada district by Jana Sena leaders, a CPI(M) activist was attacked near Giddalur in Prakasam district, and nomination papers were torn up in Narasaraopet. The leaders also claimed that ruling coalition figures used outsiders to threaten opponents and force withdrawals, while police failed to act despite available video and audio evidence.

Demands

The Left leaders called for a thorough inquiry into these events, the removal of Deputy Inspector General Koya Praveen from duty, and questioned the State Election Commission over its inaction regarding poll-related complaints. They also criticized both state and central governments over inflation, joblessness, corruption, and lacking civic infrastructure such as drinking water, roads, and drainage. Meanwhile, the CPI and CPI(M) have reached a seat-sharing understanding in selected areas and urged voters to back their candidates.

Context

Local body elections in Indian states decide representatives for rural and urban governing bodies, making local administration and grassroots development key campaign issues. Allegations of obstruction during the nomination phase of local elections often prompt friction between ruling and opposition parties regarding police neutrality and poll security.