Telugu Desam Moves SEC Over Alleged YSRC Poll Code Violations, Voter Intimidation
TD alleges voter intimidation, cash distribution and election code violations in four municipalities, seeking an SEC probe into five incidents.
The Telugu Desam has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission, accusing YSR Congress leaders and cadres of violating the Model Code of Conduct, distributing money to influence voters and preventing people from exercising their franchise during the urban local body elections.
TD politburo member and MLC Varla Ramaiah and party state general secretary Ashok Babu submitted complaints to the SEC on Sunday, citing five separate incidents allegedly reported from Nellimarla, Nidadavole, Chirala and Pulivendula. They sought comprehensive investigations and action against those responsible.
In the first complaint, the TD alleged that teachers were campaigning in favour of the YSRC in Nellimarla municipal limits under the Vizianagaram parliamentary constituency. It urged the SEC to investigate the alleged violation of election rules and take appropriate action.
In Nidadavole municipality's 31st ward, YSRC leaders allegedly used autorickshaws to campaign for their party's chairperson candidate. The TD submitted video evidence, claiming that the campaign violated the Model Code of Conduct.
Another complaint alleged that money was distributed to voters near Bharathi College in the 18th ward of Chirala municipality under the Bapatla parliamentary constituency. The party urged the SEC to prevent such attempts to influence the election and take action against those involved.
The TD also accused YSRC cadres of physically obstructing and threatening voters in Pulivendula in Kadapa district. In particular, several women voters were allegedly prevented from reaching the polling station in the 12th ward. Similar incidents were reported from other areas, according to the complaint. The party sought the SEC's immediate intervention to protect voters' democratic right to vote.
In a separate complaint, the TD raised the issue of vehicles being set on fire at a farm belonging to Madhusudhan Reddy at Ulimella in Pulivendula. Three cars, 10 two-wheelers and a tractor were reportedly gutted. The TD alleged that YSRC cadres were responsible for the incident and claimed that it was intended to create violence during polling and divert police attention.
Those who accompanied the delegation included AP biodiversity board chairman and TD national spokesperson Neelayapalem Vijay Kumar, AP Brahmin welfare corporation chairman and TDP state vice-president Buchi Ram Prasad, among others.