Is Jagan Mohan Reddy Right to Accuse Chandrababu Naidu of Conspiring in Local Body By-Polls?

Amaravati, Aug 10 (NationPress) The president of YSR Congress Party, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has alleged that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is engaging in a conspiracy to undermine the by-election for ZPTC in Pulivendula and Ontimitta.

On Sunday, the former Chief Minister claimed that Naidu, in collusion with certain officials, police officers, and TDP’s disruptive groups, is plotting to hijack the electoral process.

Taking to 'X', Jagan launched a fierce critique of Naidu in the lead-up to the August 12 by-election.

“Chandrababu Naidu embodies undemocratic and chaotic behavior. Instead of earning the trust of the electorate through authentic efforts, he resorts to conspiracies, violence, deceit, and betrayal to cling to power. This is manifesting clearly before us. In the Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTC by-elections, he is compromising democracy with shameless political maneuvers, misusing authority to obstruct free and fair elections,” Jagan Mohan Reddy stated in a post.

The TDP and YSRCP are embroiled in a fierce contest for the ZPTC by-election in Pulivendula, Jagan's represented Assembly constituency.

Jagan asserted that police misconduct commenced as soon as the by-election notification was released, with numerous YSRCP leaders and supporters being intimidated, including individuals with no prior legal issues.

He recounted that on August 5, TDP affiliates assaulted YSRCP leaders at a wedding in Pulivendula, resulting in severe injuries to Amaresh Reddy and Saidapuram Suresh Reddy, as well as threats against others to deter support for YSRCP.

On August 6, TDP gangs reportedly attempted to murder YSRCP MLC Ramesh Yadav and leader Velpula Ramalinga Reddy near Nallagondavaripalle, smashing their vehicle and attempting to set it ablaze while police allegedly looked on without intervening.

Instead of detaining the assailants, Jagan claimed that police lodged a false SC/ST case against Velpula Ramu and about 50 others on August 6, making several arrests and planning more for the polling day.

On August 8, after allegedly coercing a YSRCP leader to defect, the ruling party filed a fraudulent complaint, prompting police to issue notices to Raghavareddy, Gangadharareddy, Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy, and Devireddy Shivashankar Reddy.

That same day, polling booths were relocated from local villages to distant areas, compelling approximately 4,000 YSRCP-supporting voters in Pulivendula ZPTC to travel 2 to 4 kilometers amidst threats and assaults, creating opportunities for booth capturing and electoral fraud, according to the YSRCP chief.

On the evening of August 8, in the false case against Velpula Ramalinga Reddy, 12 individuals were arrested, some of whom were present at the police station during the alleged incident, yet they were still charged. After presenting evidence, four were released, while eight remained in custody.

“On polling day, TDP intends to suppress voter turnout and conceal its violent actions and booth capturing by manipulating media coverage. Gangs are ready to sabotage live broadcast vehicles and equipment to prevent the truth from being revealed to the public,” asserted Jagan Mohan Reddy.

“It is truly embarrassing to label these as democratic elections. Nevertheless, I have faith in God and the people. Ultimately, justice will prevail,” he concluded.