Alliance leaders Ask SEC To Order An SIT Probe Into Alleged YSRC Poll Violence
They handed over to Punetha a pen drive reportedly containing video footage of attacks: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: Ruling NDA alliance leaders on Saturday have asked State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha to order probe by a special investigation team (SIT) into alleged violence, intimidation, and electoral violations by opposition YSRC cadres during the ongoing local body elections in Prakasam, Rayalaseema, and Palnadu regions. In this regard, a delegation comprising Telugu Desam MLC and politburo member Varla Ramaiah, Jana Sena leader and APMISDC chairman Chillapalli Srinivasa Rao, BJP leader Pathuri Nagabhushanam, and other alliance representatives has submitted a written complaint to the SEC.
They have also handed over to Punetha a pen drive containing video footage purportedly showing attacks on alliance candidates and police personnel, and damage to vehicles. Speaking to media later, Ramaiah charged that the YSRC is trying to disrupt the elections because it fears its rejection by voters. He accused YSRC cadres of staging attacks and then portraying themselves as victims.
Rejecting YSRC president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s allegations that opposition candidates are being prevented from filing nominations, the TD MLC pointed out that while TD has filed 8,774 nominations for municipal elections, YSRC has filed 8,128 nominations. For ZPTC seats, these figures are 2,078 (TD) and 1,815 (YSRC). In case of MPTC seats, they are 22,013 (TD) and 20,556 (YSRC). Ramaiah questioned the opposition YSRC’s claims given these nomination figures.
The NDA alliance leaders urged the SEC to direct DGP to investigate the alleged incidents and initiate legal action. It also sought a recommendation to the Election Commission of India for cancellation of YSRC’s recognition as a political party. The TD MLC said Punetha has assured the delegation that their complaints would be examined and appropriate action taken. JS leader Chillapalli alleged that the YSRC had not changed its approach since losing power.
He accused the opposition party of provoking clashes in areas where it believed it retains some support. “YSRC fears losing political relevance if polls are conducted peacefully,” he remarked. Nagabhushanam of BJP observed that successful completion of the local body elections would help the state receive around ₹15,000 crore annually in central funds.
He maintained that the alliance government is committed to strengthening local bodies and taking development to the grassroots. Referring to the 2021 local body elections, the BJP leader accused the then ruling YSRC of preventing opposition candidates from filing nominations and rejecting their papers during scrutiny.