Amravati. The political atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh has heated up over allegations of alleged violence, rigging and intimidation of opposition candidates during local body elections. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) has accused the state’s ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of weakening democratic rights. The party has called for a statewide demonstration on November 11 to protest against these issues. The CPI(M) alleges that during the local body elections, people associated with the ruling coalition targeted opposition candidates and their supporters. However, the government and election officials also have different views regarding these allegations. In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. The alliance of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janasena Party is in power under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu. Opposition parties are continuously alleging that there has been misuse of power during the local body elections. CPI(M) has described the alleged irregularities in the election process as a serious challenge to the democratic system. The party says that free and fair elections are the foundation of democracy. If a candidate is prevented from filing nomination, campaigning or deploying his representative during voting, the fairness of the election is affected.
Allegations of violence in local body elections
Clashes between workers of political parties were reported from several places during the recently held local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. Tension and incidents of stone pelting were recorded between supporters of the TDP and the YSR Congress Party, particularly in Pulivendula in Cuddapah district. The CPI(M) alleged that its candidates and polling agents were also targeted in some areas. According to the party, attempts were made to intimidate the opposition workers who took part in the election process. The party has also raised questions on the role of election officials and police in these incidents. It alleges that in many cases, despite complaints, adequate action was not taken. However, the entire situation will become clear only after an independent investigation into these allegations and the findings of the concerned authorities.
CPI(M) accused of rigging in elections
The Andhra Pradesh unit of CPI(M) has condemned incidents of alleged booth capturing, fake voting and expulsion of opposition agents from polling stations in the local body elections. Party state secretary V. Srinivas Rao alleged that people associated with the ruling party in some areas tried to influence the election process. Citing alleged irregularities in Tirupati, Nandyal, Prakasam and other areas, the CPI(M) also demanded re-polling at the respective polling stations. The party says that strict action should be taken against persons and officials found responsible for election irregularities.
Controversy even during nomination
Controversies had also emerged during the nomination process before voting in the local body elections. CPI(M) alleged that attempts were made to stop its candidates from filing nomination papers at some places. According to the party, one of its functionaries S. Anjaneyulu Naik was attacked. CPI(M) State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao had met him and condemned the incident. The party had demanded the Election Commission to give all the candidates an opportunity to participate in the election process without any fear and pressure.
Objective of November 11 protests
The main objective of CPI(M)’s proposed statewide protests is to raise questions related to electoral fairness, democratic rights of opposition parties and accountability of public institutions. The party alleges that efforts are being made to suppress opposition voices during the tenure of the NDA government. It wants to register a massive public protest on this very issue. The alleged violence and irregularities in the local body elections are likely to be raised prominently during this movement. However, all the places of protest, timings of the programs and the detailed list of participating organizations are yet to be independently confirmed.
YSR Congress also raised questions
YSR Congress Party has also accused the NDA government of alleged irregularities in the local body elections. Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that at several places his supporters and polling agents were stopped from entering polling stations. He also raised complaints of alleged fake voting and booth capturing. As the controversy over the election process escalated in Pulivendula, Jagan Mohan Reddy had protested outside the Returning Officer’s office. YSR Congress had demanded re-polling at the affected polling stations.
Government and Election Commission’s side
On the other hand, TDP has also accused YSR Congress workers of violating the election code of conduct and influencing voters. According to State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha, voting was peaceful at most places. After receiving complaints from some areas, instructions were given to the concerned officials to take necessary action. The Election Commission had said to investigate the complaints received from various political parties. It is clear from this that the claims of the ruling party and the opposition regarding the local body elections are different. In such a situation, fair investigation and election officials
CPI(M) attacks NDA government, announces agitation
