YS Jagan meets Guv, seeks Central forces for municipal polls

Amaravati: YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday took the municipal election nomination controversy to Governor S Abdul Nazeer and State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha, alleging that the TDP-led coalition was using police and official machinery to prevent opposition candidates from entering electoral contest. He sought Central forces and comprehensive CCTV surveillance, arguing that the election process had been compromised before polling could even begin.

After meeting the Governor at Lok Bhavan and the SEC, Jagan said he had submitted evidence of candidates being obstructed, nomination papers snatched and supporters attacked. He claimed Punetha had assured him that anyone seeking to file a nomination would be given an opportunity.

Addressing the media in Vijayawada, Jagan accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of resorting to intimidation despite being in power. He alleged that attacks, false cases, kidnappings and arson were taking place under police watch, and warned that those responsible would face consequences. The allegations covered multiple centres. Jagan cited Kadapa, Punganur and Tirupati, where he claimed candidates were prevented from filing papers, nominations were refused or snatched, vehicles attacked and supporters assaulted. At Pulivendula, he alleged, police pelted stones and fired into the air to intimidate candidates. He said YSRCP nominees had also been prevented from filing papers in Kamalapuram, Rayachoti, Darsi, Gurazala, Dachepalli, Piduguralla, Badvel and Rajampet.

Jagan questioned how the elections could be considered fair when, according to him, ruling party supporters were allowed to assemble in groups while opposition candidates faced restrictions at nomination centres. He demanded Central security personnel and CCTV coverage across polling stations and counting centres, seeking safeguards beyond the nomination stage. He widened his attack to the preparation of the elections, questioning why the schedule was announced just a day after reservations were declared.

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The Hans India