Jana Sena Accuses YSRCP of Disrupting Peace During Local Body Elections

Jana Sena Party leaders on Saturday accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of deliberately creating unrest during the local body election nomination process and attempting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh. They alleged that the opposition party was trying to repeat the incidents witnessed during the 2021 local body elections.

Speaking at a media conference at the Jana Sena Party office, party state general secretary Thammireddy Sivasankar urged the coalition government to take strict action against those disturbing law and order. Party vice-president B. Mahender Reddy and Handloom Development Wing chairman Chillapalli Srinivasa Rao were also present.

Sivasankar criticised elected representatives for allegedly violating election rules and showing disregard for constitutional institutions. He questioned the reported attempt by nearly 100 people to enter a nomination centre in violation of the prescribed rules. He asked whether an MP and other elected representatives were unaware of the election code or were deliberately disregarding it.

He alleged that YSRCP leaders were trying to undermine a peaceful and free electoral environment and prevent weaker and disadvantaged sections from securing their constitutionally guaranteed representation in local bodies.

Accusing the opposition of attempting to hold back Rayalaseema's development, Sivasankar questioned whether the YSRCP was unwilling to see disadvantaged communities gain political power. He said the coalition government was taking steps to address drinking water shortages and create employment opportunities in the region, while accusing the opposition of provoking tensions for political gain.

He also alleged that people were being brought in from outside areas to intimidate local residents. Stressing that people would not change their decisions out of fear, he called on election officials to remain impartial and ensure a peaceful nomination process.

Chillapalli Srinivasa Rao alleged that YSRCP leaders were creating confusion and demanded strict action against those attempting to cause disruption. He emphasised that local body elections were crucial for village development.

Mahender Reddy claimed that panchayat development under Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's leadership had unsettled the YSRCP and alleged that fear of electoral defeat was behind its actions.

Jana Sena leaders urged authorities to maintain law and order and ensure that candidates from all parties could file nominations fairly and without intimidation, asserting that democracy must prevail.