YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MP Dr. Maddila Gurumoorthy has written to President Droupadi Murmu and Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, demanding an independent enquiry into alleged failures by the State Election Commission (SEC) during the ongoing municipal, MPTC and ZPTC elections in the state. The letter, dated 26 October, raises serious concerns over reported violence, intimidation and nomination obstruction during the polls held under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's government.

Key Allegations Raised

In his formal representation, the Tirupati MP alleged a pattern of violence and coercion across multiple constituencies. He cited incidents in Punganur, Pulivendula, Kadapa, Proddatur, Mydukur, Badvel, Rayachoti, Tirupati and several other locations, pointing to attacks on Opposition candidates, destruction of nomination papers, and interference by police personnel in the electoral process.

Gurumoorthy also referred to the reported attack on Rajampet MP P.V. Midhun Reddy, the burning of vehicles, house arrests of Opposition leaders, and the alleged obstruction of candidates attempting to file their nominations.

Nomination Irregularities and Supreme Court Directions

One of the most pointed allegations in the letter concerns the scale of nomination obstruction. The MP highlighted that 222 wards across seven municipalities recorded zero YSRCP nominations, with candidates reportedly prevented from filing. He further cited complaints that 1,345 MPTC and ZPTC candidates faced obstruction during the nomination process.

Gurumoorthy noted that the Supreme Court had specifically directed the SEC to examine complaints and ensure protection for candidates. However, nomination extensions were granted only in four Urban Local Bodies, leaving several other affected municipalities without similar relief — a response he described as inadequate compliance with the court's directives.

Demands Made to the President and Governor

The MP's letter lays out a comprehensive set of demands. He has requested the preservation of CCTV footage, nomination records, police reports and electronic evidence to prevent destruction of material that could be relevant to any future enquiry. He has also sought the deployment of central security forces, fresh nomination opportunities for affected candidates, and the appointment of an independent judicial oversight mechanism.

Crucially, Gurumoorthy urged both the President and the Governor to consider appropriate constitutional action against officials — including the State Election Commissioner — if an impartial enquiry establishes misconduct or serious institutional failures.

Political Context

The complaints come amid a charged political climate in Andhra Pradesh, where the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government under Chandrababu Naidu and the YSRCP have been locked in a sharp rivalry since the 2024 Assembly elections. Local body elections have historically been flashpoints for allegations of ruling-party influence over administrative machinery. This is not the first time YSRCP has raised concerns about SEC conduct; the party has previously approached courts over election-related grievances in the state.

The President's office and the Governor's Raj Bhavan are yet to formally respond to the representation, according to available information. The outcome of the ongoing elections and any subsequent enquiry order will be closely watched by Opposition parties and election reform advocates across the country.