Amaravati: The nomination process for the upcoming local body elections in Andhra Pradesh has been marred by political turmoil, with senior advocate Prashant Bhushan and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) levelling severe allegations against the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Reacting to reports of intimidation across the state, Bhushan accused the TDP of making a mockery of democracy. He alleged that ruling party members were openly preventing opposition candidates from filing their nomination papers, claiming this was unfolding with the alleged complicity of police and election authorities. “What is happening in Andhra Pradesh is extraordinary,” the senior advocate remarked, criticising the state machinery’s role.
The controversy gained momentum after a video surfaced from Penukonda in the Sri Sathya Sai district. The footage purportedly shows a man barging into an election officer’s chamber and tearing up the nomination papers of a Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) candidate. The YSRCP has identified the individual as TDP leader Subba Reddy, reported to be a close associate of state minister S. Savitha.
In a series of widespread allegations, the YSRCP claimed its senior leaders were systematically placed under house arrest to stop them from assisting their candidates. The party stated that Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy was intercepted by police, while former MLA K. Pedda Reddy in Anantapur and Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy in Chandragiri were restricted to their residences. Furthermore, the opposition reported violent clashes in Nizampatnam, alleging that TDP workers damaged vehicles, tore nomination documents, and left three YSRCP leaders injured.
However, the ruling TDP strongly refuted the accusations, countering that the YSRCP was attempting to disrupt the electoral process out of a fear of impending defeat. TDP representatives blamed the opposition for instigating violence in 19 different locations, including Darshi, Punganur, Kadapa, and Pulivendula.
Emphasising the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s commitment to conducting peaceful elections, the TDP stated that District Collectors and Superintendents of Police are actively compiling detailed reports on the nomination disruptions. These reports will be submitted to the State Election Commission to verify the facts and initiate appropriate action.