YS Sharmila Accuses TDP of Turning Local Body Elections Into a Battleground

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila has accused the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of fostering a culture of violence and political vendetta during local body elections, warning that the situation is undermining democracy in the state.

Sharmila alleged that violence had occurred under the previous YSRCP government, but claimed that conditions under the present TDP-led government were even worse. She accused political parties of using revenge-driven tactics to turn Andhra Pradesh from a prosperous state into a centre of political violence. The recent incidents in Rayachoti and Punganur, she said, were alarming developments in the state's electoral history.

Stressing that elections should be conducted peacefully and impartially, Sharmila said political parties must compete on development and public welfare rather than resort to physical attacks and intimidation. She strongly condemned what she described as the TDP's high-handed approach and questioned the ruling coalition's claims of providing transparent governance.

She also sought to know why attacks were allegedly taking place during nominations, why attempts were being made to secure forced unanimous victories, and why opposition candidates were reportedly being prevented from filing their nomination papers.

Sharmila questioned the State Election Commission over its response to the incidents, asking how anti-social elements could operate freely near nomination centres despite the need for stringent security arrangements. She urged the police to discharge their responsibilities impartially and prevent the alleged misuse of official authority to threaten opposition candidates.

The APCC chief called on the State Election Commission to take immediate steps to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. She demanded strong police protection at every nomination centre, equal opportunities for all eligible candidates to submit nominations, and effective measures to prevent coercion and forced unanimous victories.

She further urged authorities to stop people with no connection to the respective electoral areas from interfering in the nomination process.

Sharmila maintained that elections should be a celebration of democracy, not a platform for political revenge. She said election authorities must ensure a level playing field for every candidate and restore public confidence in the electoral process.