Andhra Pradesh: Congress to contest all seats in local body elections

Vijayawada: The Congress party has decided to contest all seats in the forthcoming local body elections in Andhra Pradesh, said APCC Vice-President and in-charge of Administration Kolanukonda Sivaji.

Addressing the media at Andhra Ratna Bhavan in Vijayawada on Saturday, Sivaji said the decision was taken at the APCC Executive Committee meeting held on October 3. The meeting was attended by AICC in-charge of Andhra Pradesh and MLC PV Mohan, APCC president YS Sharmila Reddy and Executive Committee members.

He said District Election Committees would be constituted under the respective DCC presidents, with the participation of former DCC presidents, PAC members, senior leaders and representatives of various departments and cells. PAC members would be assigned district-wise responsibilities, while PCC vice-presidents and general secretaries would also be entrusted with election-related duties. Working presidents would coordinate the overall election process.

Sivaji said the AP Congress would launch a public campaign on protecting voting rights, alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the issue of “Vote Chori”. The party would support the movements led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and continue its efforts to safeguard democracy and voting rights. He demanded that the Election Commission provide clear answers to the public on concerns being raised over the electoral process.

He also sought complete details from the State government on the investment proposals announced by it, particularly the claimed Rs 14 lakh crore investments. The government should disclose the number of jobs created and the extent of land allotted for the projects, he said. Referring to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s political experience, Sivaji said it should be utilised to address public issues, including drinking water, irrigation and employment.

He also demanded action over allegations of sexual harassment involving women journalists in Delhi. Sivaji further said protests were being held across the country demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and urged the authorities to address the concerns raised over the electoral process instead of suppressing democratic protests.

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The Hans India