Will YSRCP's Plea to SEC Ensure Fair Polling in Pulivendula?
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Synopsis
Tensions rise in Pulivendula as YSRCP demands SEC intervention for fair elections amid allegations of electoral misconduct and intimidation by TDP. As the by-elections loom, the stakes couldn't be higher for both parties in this pivotal contest.
Key Takeaways
- YSR Congress Party demands SEC intervention for free elections.
- The by-election arises from the death of a key leader.
- Allegations of misconduct and intimidation by the ruling party are serious.
- Security measures are heightened to ensure orderly polling.
- The election is a significant prestige battle for both parties.
Vijayawada, Aug 11 (NationPress) As the by-elections for local bodies in Pulivendula and Ontimitta approach, the Opposition YSR Congress Party has urgently appealed to the State Election Commission (SEC) for immediate action to guarantee free and fair elections.
A group of leaders from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) met with the State Election Commission to demand measures to stop what they termed an "unprecedented attack on democracy".
The by-election for the Pulivendula and Ontimitta Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) in Kadapa district is set for Tuesday.
A fierce competition is underway between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Opposition YSRCP in Pulivendula, the hometown and Assembly constituency of YSRCP President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
This by-election was necessitated by the passing of YSRCP leader T. Maheshwar Reddy.
The YSRCP has nominated his son Hemanth Reddy, while the TDP's candidate is Latha Reddy, the spouse of former MLC and the ruling party's Pulivendula constituency in-charge, Mareddy Ravindra Reddy (B. Tech Ravi).
This by-election has escalated into a significant prestige contest for both parties.
The YSR family is striving to retain its influence in Pulivendula, while the TDP aims to penetrate deeper into this bastion.
Last year, the TDP-led NDA alliance secured seven out of ten Assembly seats in Jagan Mohan Reddy's home district of Kadapa.
On Sunday, Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of plotting to manipulate the ZPTC by-election.
The former Chief Minister alleged that TDP's anarchic groups, in collaboration with certain officials and police officers, are conspiring to commandeer the election.
Following their meeting with the Station Election Commissioner on Monday, YSRCP leaders stated that the ruling TDP-led alliance, supported by a compromised official apparatus, resorted to intimidation, widespread cash distribution, and targeted assaults on YSRCP supporters to forcibly secure a win in Jagan Mohan Reddy's home turf of Pulivendula.
They accused both the police and revenue departments of remaining passive, allowing extensive electoral misconduct.
The delegation included MLCs Lella Appi Reddy, Mondithoka Arun Kumar, Kalpalatha Reddy, former Ministers Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani), Velampalli Srinivas, Jogi Ramesh, among others.
Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) described how TDP leaders were coercing voters by seizing voter slips issued by election authorities and offering Rs 10,000 per vote.
Villagers who resisted faced threats, assaults, and wrongful criminal implications.
In certain villages, although police presence was significant, those intimidating voters were left unscathed. While officials claimed to have deployed shadow teams and flying squads, the cash-for-votes network operated openly.
In the meantime, stringent security measures have been established to avert any undesirable incidents during polling.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha assured that the voting process would be conducted smoothly.
She dismissed Jagan Mohan Reddy's claims of irregularities and violence.
Regarding allegations of polling booths being moved from villages to more remote locations, she stated that such decisions were made by the State Election Commission, clarifying that the TDP had no part in this decision.
Point of View
The situation in Pulivendula reflects the broader challenges faced in ensuring electoral integrity across the country. The allegations from the YSR Congress Party highlight the need for vigilance and accountability within electoral processes, ensuring that democracy prevails.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the by-election in Pulivendula?
The by-election in Pulivendula was necessitated by the death of YSRCP leader T. Maheshwar Reddy.
Who are the main candidates in the Pulivendula by-election?
The main candidates are Hemanth Reddy from YSRCP and Latha Reddy from TDP.
What concerns did YSRCP raise regarding the elections?
YSRCP raised concerns about electoral misconduct, intimidation of voters, and the involvement of local authorities.
What security measures are in place for the elections?
Tight security arrangements have been established to prevent any untoward incidents during polling.
How did the Home Minister respond to the allegations of misconduct?
The Home Minister assured that polling would be conducted peacefully and dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
