YSRCP Leaders Allege Irregularities in Andhra Pradesh Local Body Poll Nominations

Leaders from the YSR Congress Party have alleged serious irregularities in the nomination process for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. Guntur district president and former Minister Ambati Rambabu and former MLA Namburu Sankara Rao raised these concerns during separate media conferences in Guntur on Saturday.

Allegations

Opposition candidates faced severe obstruction while trying to file their nomination papers at various centres. Nomination papers were snatched or torn away in the direct presence of police personnel. Candidates also faced intimidation, party leaders were restricted from moving freely, and women candidates received improper treatment during the process.

Actions and Demands

Mr. Rambabu blamed the State government, police, and State Election Commission for failing to provide a fair playing field. The party has identified 54 police personnel and plans to pursue legal action against them for alleged violations. In Palnadu district, Mr. Sankara Rao pointed out specific hurdles faced by party candidates in Amaravati mandal within the Pedakurapadu Assembly constituency. Both leaders urged the police, district administration, and election authorities to investigate these incidents and grant proper security to every candidate to ensure fair polls.

Context

Local body elections form the third tier of governance in India, managing civic issues at the village, block, and district levels. Smooth and fair nomination processes are vital for a healthy democracy to let all eligible citizens participate without fear.