YSRCP accuses SEC of ignoring complaints of poll irregularities

On Friday, leaders from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) accused the State Election Commission (SEC) of disregarding complaints of electoral irregularities and operating as a branch of the Telugu Desam Party headquarters. A delegation, including MLC Lella Appi Reddy and State Legal Cell president Manohar Reddy, met with the State Election Commissioner to present a representation seeking action against alleged electoral violations prior to the elections.

Mr. Appi Reddy informed the media that the party had filed hundreds of complaints, supported by video and audio evidence, yet the SEC had failed to take any action, with less than two days remaining until voting. He accused around 150 police personnel of acting as TDP activists, and claimed that police and revenue officials were cooperating to prevent candidates from submitting nomination papers.

He pointed to incidents in Macherla and Ongole, alleging that polling agent forms had been ripped inside Returning Officers' rooms. Furthermore, he asserted that voter slips had not been distributed in certain areas of Kadapa, Pulivendula, and Kurnool, while TDP leaders were distributing cash and threatening pensions to beneficiaries.

Mr. Appi Reddy questioned the security measures, stating that only 36,351 police personnel were assigned to 12,224 polling stations, compared to the 60,000 to 70,000 personnel deployed in previous elections. He also claimed that roughly 7,000 booths lacked CCTV cameras and webcasting facilities, despite court orders. He demanded a thorough investigation into all complaints, disclosure of vulnerable polling stations, and adequate security for candidates.

He threatened to take the matter to the Supreme Court over the alleged irregularities and urged voters to cast their ballots.