YSRCP Accuses TDP Workers of Blocking Candidates in Kadapa, Seeks SEC Intervention

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers of obstructing its candidates from filing nominations for local body elections in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. The party alleged that its candidates were being threatened, their nomination papers forcibly taken away and obstacles created to prevent them from contesting the elections. It has urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to intervene immediately and ensure a fair nomination process.

YSRCP state general secretary and MLC Leella Appi Reddy wrote to the State Election Commissioner on October 16, detailing the alleged irregularities and seeking urgent action. In his letter, he claimed that TDP workers had forcibly seized nomination papers from YSRCP candidates and prevented them from submitting the documents within the prescribed procedure.

Appi Reddy also alleged that the police had failed to intervene effectively to protect candidates and facilitate the filing of nominations. In some cases, executive officers and returning officers had allegedly refused to accept nomination papers submitted by YSRCP candidates, raising concerns about the impartiality of the election process.

Describing the alleged incidents as a threat to free and fair elections, the MLC called on the SEC to issue immediate directions to the concerned election and police officials. He sought adequate security for candidates, strict measures to prevent interference by political workers and instructions to ensure that nomination papers were accepted in accordance with election rules.

The letter also sought a detailed inquiry into the alleged obstruction of candidates and the refusal to receive their nomination documents. Appi Reddy requested the commission to obtain reports from the officials concerned and initiate appropriate action against those found responsible if the allegations were established.

He warned that candidates prevented from filing nominations within the deadline could lose their opportunity to contest the elections. The SEC was therefore urged to ensure that every affected candidate could submit nomination papers safely and without obstruction within the stipulated time.

A copy of the representation was also sent to the Election Commission of India, seeking its attention to the allegations and the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process.