Ravindranath Reddy Alleges Irregularities in Kadapa Municipal Polls

YSRC Kadapa district president P. Ravindranath Reddy on Monday alleged that the municipal elections in Kadapa had failed to uphold democratic values, claiming that the process was being conducted in a manner that amounted to “murdering democracy”.

Speaking to the media along with former deputy chief minister Amjad Basha, MLC Ramachandra Reddy and mayoral candidate Bandi Deepti, he alleged that authorities had obstructed YSRC candidates from filing nominations from the beginning of the election process. He said 11 candidates were able to file their nominations only after court intervention.

He further alleged that people from other areas had been brought in to create disturbances at polling stations on polling day. YSRC polling agents were allegedly prevented from entering booths, while police personnel attacked party workers, he claimed.

Ravindranath Reddy questioned whether the contest was between the police and YSRC leaders. He alleged that the police remained silent while TD supporters intimidated voters. He also questioned the deployment of thousands of police personnel at public expense, asking why they had failed to ensure free and fair polling.

Ravindranath Reddy said he had never witnessed such a disturbing election in the country and alleged that an atmosphere of fear had been created in Kadapa in the name of elections. He warned that those responsible for the alleged excesses would have to pay a price.

Despite the alleged hurdles, he appealed to voters to come out without fear and exercise their franchise to protect democracy.