YS Jagan Alleges Widespread Electoral Malpractices in Andhra Municipal Polls

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused the State Election Commission (SEC) of favouring the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), alleging that widespread electoral malpractices had undermined the municipal polling process across Andhra Pradesh. He said the commission, which was expected to safeguard democratic principles, was allegedly functioning in favour of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Jagan asserted that his party would approach the courts with evidence of the alleged violations and pursue legal action to protect voters' rights.

Citing the situation in Pulivendula, Jagan alleged that YSRCP polling agents were prevented from carrying out their responsibilities in 70 of the 80 polling booths. He claimed that TDP workers brought from other areas, allegedly with the assistance of election officials and police personnel, attacked party agents and stopped them from entering polling stations. Some agents were reportedly dragged out of polling booths, preventing them from monitoring the voting process.

He further alleged that several irregularities, including snatching voter slips, booth capturing, rigging and electoral cycling, were reported during polling. According to Jagan, video footage documenting these incidents was available, while YSRCP agents had lodged complaints and staged protests over the alleged violations.

Questioning the SEC's decision to order repolling in only four booths in Pulivendula despite complaints concerning 70 booths, Jagan termed the decision an inadequate response. He questioned how elections could be considered free and fair if the constitutional responsibility of ensuring transparency was not being fulfilled. He also expressed concern over the protection of voters' democratic rights.

Jagan said similar complaints had emerged from several municipal corporations, including Kadapa, Anantapur, Tirupati, Kurnool, Chittoor, Ongole, Guntur, Nellore, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. He also cited alleged irregularities in Macherla, Chilakaluripet, Vinukonda, Jammalamadugu, Nandyal, Chimakurthy, Giddalur, Yemmiganur, Sullurupeta, Palasa, Dhone, Naidupeta, Nandigama, Jaggayyapeta, Kuppam, Puttur and Parvathipuram.

Reaffirming his party's decision to challenge the alleged malpractice, Jagan said every available piece of evidence would be submitted before the courts. He maintained that his party would continue its legal struggle to uphold democratic values, expressing confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.