YSRCP leaders have accused the ruling alliance of obstructing nominations during the Andhra Pradesh panchayat elections. They alleged that candidates were facing threats, attacks and pressure in several districts. The party urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to take immediate action and ensure free and fair elections.
Former MLA Malladi Vishnu, YSRCP Legal Cell state president Manohar Reddy and Grievance Cell state president Ankamreddy Narayana Murthy met the State Election Commissioner in Vijayawada on November 15, 2026. They submitted a complaint regarding alleged violence, nomination-related problems and the conduct of police officials.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Malladi Vishnu questioned whether the Election Commission was taking enough action to protect candidates. He said the right to file nominations was an important part of the democratic process. Preventing candidates from contesting elections would violate that right, he argued.
Malladi Vishnu alleged that ruling alliance supporters were stopping YSRCP-backed candidates from filing nominations in Palnadu, Annamayya, Guntur and Srikalahasti. He claimed that police officers were failing to intervene despite repeated requests for protection. The party submitted photographs and videos to support its allegations.
The former MLA also raised concerns about the situation in Rayachoti mandal of Annamayya district. He alleged that candidates were being prevented from submitting nominations for sarpanch posts. Similar complaints were raised about nomination papers being taken away or torn in Srikalahasti and Thottambedu.
YSRCP leaders further alleged that some groups were using sticks and petrol bombs to threaten candidates. They accused the police of warning YSRCP members about possible cases instead of acting against those responsible for the alleged attacks. These claims have not been independently verified.
Manohar Reddy said panchayat elections were officially conducted without party symbols. However, he alleged that the ruling alliance was trying to secure uncontested victories by preventing rival candidates from entering the contest. He referred to earlier election-related disputes in Rayachoti, Pulivendula, Punganur, Chittoor, Tirupati and Palnadu.
The YSRCP Legal Cell president also questioned the handling of reservation rules. He alleged that certain rules were being changed and that High Court directions were not being properly implemented. He requested the Election Commission to examine these concerns and ensure that election procedures followed the law.
The leaders demanded stronger security arrangements at nomination centres and polling locations. They also called for CCTV surveillance and police protection from the nomination stage until vote counting. According to them, every eligible candidate should have an opportunity to contest without fear.
Malladi Vishnu said the Election Commission had earlier held a meeting with senior police officers in Tirupati to discuss election security. However, he alleged that the instructions were not being followed at the local level.
The YSRCP delegation urged the SEC to prevent intimidation and take strict action against anyone obstructing nominations. They said no village should face a situation where candidates were unable to file nominations because of threats.
According to the party leaders, the Election Commission assured them that necessary steps would be taken. The allegations against the ruling alliance and police remain claims made by YSRCP representatives. The ruling alliance’s response was not included in the statement.
