Cash Distribution, Booth Capturing Alleged In Rayalaseema; Protest By Buggana In Dhone
With more than 4,000 voters in the ward, the combined expenditure by the two candidates was estimated to have crossed ₹2 crore: Reports
KURNOOL: Municipal elections in the Rayalaseema districts of Kurnool, Nandyal and Kadapa on Sunday were marred by allegations of booth capturing, attempts at preventing rival party agents from entering polling stations, attacks on agents and rigging.
In Pulivendula, YSRC alleged that around 70 of its polling agents were prevented from entering the booths. The agents protested outside the returning officer’s office, demanding action over the alleged irregularities.
In Nandyal, allegations of cash distribution by TD and YSRC candidates surfaced from several wards. The distribution in Ward 13 became a major talking point, with a candidate belonging to a major political party allegedly offering `2,500 per vote, while a rival candidate reportedly distributed ₹2,000.
With more than 4,000 voters in the ward, the combined expenditure by the two candidates was estimated to have crossed ₹2 crore. Similar allegations of cash distribution came from several other wards.
In Dhone, former finance minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy staged a protest outside the DSP’s office, alleging that TDP supporters indulged in polling irregularities. He said democracy had been reduced to a mockery.
Allegations of large-scale rigging were raised in Jammalamadugu, where 60.98 per cent polling was recorded in the first four hours. Critics questioned the high turnout. They pointed out that several major cities, including Visakhapatnam, Kurnool and Vijayawada, had not recorded an average polling percentage of even 30 per cent during the same period.
Kurnool saw a peaceful polling process. Of the 68 wards, one was elected unanimously, while voting in the remaining wards began at 7am without any major incident.
In Kadapa, allegations surfaced that polling agents of a political party were prevented from entering booths. Stone-pelting was reported at two places, prompting the police to step up security. In Badvel, TDP and Jana Sena workers clashed following an argument.
In Jammalamadugu, the YSRC candidate for the municipal chairperson's post was allegedly prevented from entering a polling booth. Clashes between TDP and YSRC groups were also reported from Yemmiganur.