ULB polls: YSRCP alleges intimidation of contestants, stages protest at SEC office

On Thursday, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders held a sit-in at the State Election Commission (SEC) office in Vijayawada to demand an investigation into alleged electoral misconduct. The protest ensued after State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha failed to promptly arrange a meeting with the party's representatives. The leaders formally submitted a complaint after securing an appointment.

Speaking to the media, MLC Lella Appi Reddy and Kalpalatha Reddy, as well as former MLA Malladi Vishnu and constituency in-charge Tanneeru Nageswara Rao, claimed that the situation remained unchanged despite Supreme Court directives. Appi Reddy alleged that YSRCP candidates faced physical attacks, arrests, and house arrests in multiple areas.

He also accused the police of threatening to file false "ganja cases" and labeling election contestants with rowdy-sheets. Vishnu highlighted instances of intimidation, inducements, kidnapping, and attacks to secure uncontested wins. He demanded decisive action against officials involved in partisan conduct and requested the SEC's intervention concerning alleged misrepresentations in electoral rolls, polling stations far from voters, and irregular victories.

Drawing attention to the plight of women candidates, Kalpalatha Reddy pointed to Kuppam, where she alleged that female candidates were attacked and had their sarees pulled while attempting to file nominations. She urged the SEC to protect these candidates and ensure their participation in the electoral process without intimidation. The party threatened to revisit the Supreme Court if necessary, according to Appi Reddy.