YSRCP demands CCTV, webcasting at all MPTC, ZPTC polling stations in Andhra Pradesh
Synopsis
With MPTC and ZPTC elections hours away in Andhra Pradesh, YSRCP has escalated its challenge to the State Election Commission — submitting 15 complaints, citing alleged rigging in Eluru, Ongole and Visakhapatnam, and threatening legal action against police and officials. The party's demands for CCTV and webcasting at every booth signal it is bracing for a contested count.
Key Takeaways
YSRCP demanded mandatory CCTV surveillance , videography and webcasting at all polling stations ahead of Andhra Pradesh MPTC and ZPTC elections on Thursday, 5 November 2026 .
A delegation led by MLC Lella Appireddy submitted a formal representation to the State Election Commissioner .
The party alleged electoral violations in Eluru , Dhone , Salur , Guntur , Ongole , Nuzvid , Palamaneru , and Visakhapatnam .
YSRCP stated it had submitted nearly 15 complaints including video evidence on pen drives to the SEC with no meaningful action taken.
The party threatened legal action against officials, police personnel, and the Election Commission for alleged violations.
The State Election Commission had not publicly responded to the demands as of Wednesday evening.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, formally demanded mandatory CCTV surveillance, videography, and webcasting at every polling station ahead of Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections scheduled across Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. The party submitted a representation to the State Election Commissioner, warning against a repeat of the alleged irregularities witnessed during recent municipal elections.
Key Demands Placed Before the State Election Commission
A delegation led by YSRCP State General Secretary and MLC Lella Appireddy, accompanied by Legal Cell State President Manohar Reddy, Employees and Pensioners Wing State President Nalamaaru Chandrasekhar Reddy, and Grievance Cell President Narayana Murthy, met the State Election Commissioner in person. The party demanded immediate preservation of CCTV footage and ballot papers from counting centres, adequate protection for opposition candidates, and an end to what it described as police intimidation and politically motivated bind-over proceedings and house arrests.
YSRCP Alleges Widespread Electoral Violations
Speaking to reporters, Appireddy alleged that the coalition government led by Chandrababu Naidu had systematically misused police and revenue officials at every stage — from nominations and scrutiny through to polling and counting. He claimed candidates were prevented from filing nominations, eliminated during scrutiny, and subjected to intimidation. He further alleged that in constituencies where YSRCP candidates held leads, counting was halted and results were manipulated through recounting. Specific irregularities were cited in Eluru, Dhone, Salur, Guntur, Ongole, Nuzvid, and Palamaneru, along with discrepancies in polling percentages in Ongole and Visakhapatnam.
Complaints Submitted, Legal Action Threatened
Nalamaaru Chandrasekhar Reddy stated that the YSRCP had submitted nearly 15 complaints and representations to the State Election Commission (SEC), including video evidence on pen drives, without receiving any meaningful response. He questioned recounting exercises that were allegedly ordered despite substantial YSRCP leads in Nandikotkur, Ongole, and other areas, arguing that recounting cannot be used as a tool for manipulating results. Appireddy separately announced that the party would pursue legal action against officials, police personnel, and the Election Commission for alleged electoral violations.
Political Context and What Comes Next
The MPTC and ZPTC elections are a key test of grassroots political strength in Andhra Pradesh, coming in the wake of YSRCP's significant loss in the state assembly elections. The party's aggressive posture ahead of Thursday's polling signals it intends to contest any adverse outcome through both legal and political channels. Appireddy warned officials to discharge their constitutional duties impartially, declaring that 'the coalition government's downfall had begun.' The State Election Commission is yet to publicly respond to the demands. All eyes will be on polling day conduct and the counting process to determine whether the SEC acts on the opposition's concerns.
Point of View
The party creates a paper trail that it can deploy if results go against it. The specific, granular allegations — named constituencies, pen-drive evidence, recounting disputes — suggest this is not boilerplate opposition protest but a prepared legal strategy. The deeper issue is the SEC's credibility: having already received 15 complaints without visible action, its handling of Thursday's election will be scrutinised closely. For a party regrouping after a heavy assembly defeat, every contested panchayat seat is a demonstration of organisational survival.
NationPress
5 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are MPTC and ZPTC elections in Andhra Pradesh?
Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections are local body polls conducted across Andhra Pradesh to elect representatives to mandal and district-level governing bodies. They are considered a key indicator of grassroots political strength for all major parties in the state.
What has YSRCP demanded ahead of the Thursday elections?
YSRCP has demanded mandatory CCTV surveillance, videography, and webcasting at every polling station, as well as immediate preservation of CCTV footage and ballot papers from counting centres. The party has also called for an end to police intimidation, politically motivated arrests, and bind-over proceedings against its candidates.
What specific irregularities did YSRCP allege in recent elections?
YSRCP cited alleged irregularities in Eluru, Dhone, Salur, Guntur, Ongole, Nuzvid, and Palamaneru, and flagged discrepancies in polling percentages in Ongole and Visakhapatnam. It also alleged that counting was halted and results manipulated through recounting in areas where YSRCP candidates held leads.
How has the State Election Commission responded to YSRCP's complaints?
As of Wednesday, the State Election Commission had not publicly responded to YSRCP's demands. The party stated it had submitted nearly 15 complaints and representations — including video evidence on pen drives — without receiving any meaningful action from the SEC.
What legal action is YSRCP threatening over the elections?
YSRCP has announced it will pursue legal action against officials, police personnel, and the Election Commission itself for alleged electoral violations. Party leader Lella Appireddy stated these proceedings would be initiated if the SEC failed to ensure free and fair polling on Thursday.
