Independent Probe Demanded Over Local Body Polls

AMARAVATI — Escalating the political confrontation in Andhra Pradesh, Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy has formally approached constitutional authorities demanding an independent inquiry into alleged widespread irregularities, violence, and systematic obstruction during the ongoing urban local body elections.

In a detailed representation submitted to both the President of India and the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Gurumoorthy outlined a series of grave allegations concerning intimidation and physical attacks against opposition candidates. He claimed that aspirants faced severe obstacles during the nomination filing phase, including the destruction of crucial paperwork following the commencement of the election process.

Allegations of Systematic Targeting Across Districts

The YSRCP leader specifically cited volatile incidents spanning multiple districts, including Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, Chittoor, Tirupati, and Anantapur. Among the prominent cases highlighted was an alleged attack on Rajampet MP P.V. Midhun Reddy alongside party candidates in Punganur. The petition also noted instances of vehicle arson and heavy restrictions placed on the movement of opposition political figures.

Furthermore, the representation questioned the selective implementation of prohibitory orders and challenged the conduct of local law enforcement personnel throughout the nomination window.

Supreme Court Intervention and Subsequent Halts

The electoral controversy previously escalated to the Supreme Court, which intervened by directing the State Election Commission (SEC) to thoroughly examine all submitted complaints and supporting evidence. The apex court instructed authorities to temporarily defer publishing the final list of candidates while ensuring robust police protection and mandatory CCTV surveillance at all designated nomination centers.

In strict compliance with these judicial directives, the poll body extended nomination windows in four specific urban local bodies, while temporarily halting the broader electoral process across all 100 targeted urban local bodies.

Expanding Calls for Electoral Integrity

Despite the judicial interventions, Gurumoorthy argued that the remedial measures enacted thus far remain inadequate and narrow in scope, leaving numerous affected candidates without a fair opportunity to contest. He pointed to reports indicating that several wards received zero nominations due to aspirants being allegedly barred from submitting their papers.

To safeguard democratic integrity, the YSRCP parliamentarian has urged the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across vulnerable constituencies. He further called for extended nomination deadlines where necessary, the appointment of a retired High/Supreme Court judge to oversee remaining phases, and an impartial investigation into the conduct of local officials.

As political tensions continue to mount between the ruling TDP-led NDA alliance and the opposition YSRCP, these fresh appeals place the administrative handling of local elections under intense national scrutiny.