Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused the ruling coalition of trying to stop Opposition candidates from filing nominations in the ongoing local body election process. Speaking to the media in Tadepalli on Sunday, October 18, Jagan alleged that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was afraid of defeat and was using the police and ruling party leaders to obstruct YSRCP candidates.
Jagan claimed that several YSRCP candidates were threatened, attacked and prevented from submitting their nomination papers in different parts of Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that nomination papers were snatched away, false cases were filed against party workers, and incidents of intimidation, kidnapping and arson took place during the nomination process. He also accused the police of failing to act fairly and alleged that some officers were working in favour of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
The YSRCP chief referred to incidents reported in Kadapa, Punganur, Tirupati and Pulivendula. He alleged that party leaders and supporters were attacked and that vehicles were damaged. Jagan also claimed that police personnel in Pulivendula used force to intimidate candidates who came to file their nominations. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Jagan questioned why the ruling coalition was allegedly preventing Opposition candidates from contesting if it had the support of the people. He compared the current situation with the previous local body elections held during the YSRCP government. According to him, his party secured a strong victory in those elections despite Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar serving as the State Election Commissioner, whom Jagan described as a TDP supporter.
He alleged that the present election process was planned in a way that favoured the ruling coalition. Jagan questioned the timing of the election schedule, saying it was announced soon after the reservation details were released, leaving Opposition parties with limited time to prepare. He also raised concerns about the voter list and the division of municipal wards, claiming that these decisions could benefit the ruling party.
The former Chief Minister further questioned the appointment process for election commissioners, arguing that political influence could affect the fairness of elections. He called for a free and fair election process and said the people’s mandate should decide the outcome.
Jagan urged YSRCP leaders and supporters to remain determined despite the alleged attacks and restrictions. He said the party would continue its fight against what he described as undemocratic practices. He also warned that those found responsible for wrongdoing would have to face the consequences.
The controversy has added to political tensions in Andhra Pradesh as the local body nomination process continues. The allegations raised by Jagan have placed the spotlight on the role of the police, election officials and the State Election Commission. A fair election process requires all eligible candidates to be given an equal opportunity to file nominations and contest, in line with election rules.