Jagan alleges large-scale irregularities in local body poll nominations

YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

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The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday accused the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh of resorting to intimidation, violence and misuse of official machinery to prevent opposition candidates from filing nominations for local body elections.

Addressing the media at the party office at Tadepalli, Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that candidates and party workers were being threatened and attacked in several parts of the State, while the police and election authorities were failing to act impartially. He claimed that the nomination process was being deliberately obstructed to enable the ruling alliance to secure victories without facing genuine electoral competition.

Referring to incidents reported from different areas, including Punganur, Tirupati, Kadapa, Pulivendula and Rayachoti, he alleged that the YSRCP candidates had faced pressure and intimidation. He questioned the conduct of the police, accusing them of acting in favour of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and failing to protect opposition candidates.