Telugu Desam Seeks SEC Action Over Attacks On Candidates
YSRC cadres allegedly attacked TD supporters with stones and sticks: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: The Telugu Desam has urged the State Election Commission to take stringent action against YSRC leaders and cadres over alleged attacks on candidates, supporters and police personnel during the ongoing nomination process for local body elections.
In a complaint on Thursday, TD leaders Varla Ramaiah, P. Ashok Babu and Neelayapalem Vijay Kumar alleged that violence and intimidation were being used as means to obstruct nominations and demanded steps to ensure free and fair elections.
The complaint cited former Proddatur MLA Rachamallu Siva Prasad Reddy’s alleged threats against police personnel and former minister R.K. Roja abusing police at a nomination centre on October 21.
In Sadum mandal of Punganur constituency, TD leader Pavan Reddy was attacked with sticks and an iron rod while proceeding to file nominations. He suffered bleeding injuries and was admitted to a hospital in Peeleru. Citing this, the TD alleged that the prime accused, Peddireddy Sudheer Reddy, had not been arrested.
At the MDO office in Guntakal on October 22, YSRC cadres allegedly attacked TD supporters with stones and sticks, injuring several persons. Officials reportedly fled amid threats before senior police officers intervened.
The complaint also cited an alleged attack on TD leaders at Kodimi village in Anantapur Rural mandal and violence at Nekarikallu in Palnadu district, where several police personnel were hurt. Nomination papers of TD candidates were allegedly seized and torn.
The Telugu Desam sought immediate intervention of the SEC to prevent further violence and protect candidates during the election process.
