TDP leader SVSN Varma accuses YSRCP of attacks and intimidation in Punganur, Rayachoti and Tirupati areas ahead of Andhra Pradesh local body elections.
Mangalagiri: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) senior leader S.V.S.N. Varma on Friday accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of attempting to disrupt local body elections in Andhra Pradesh through alleged attacks and intimidation, claiming that individuals from neighbouring states had been brought in to create unrest.
Addressing a media conference at NTR Bhavan in Mangalagiri, Varma alleged that incidents in Punganur, Rayachoti and areas around Tirupati were intended to intimidate candidates, prevent them from filing nominations and influence the election process. He called on the opposition party to contest elections democratically rather than resort to violence.
The allegations were made by the TDP leader and were not independently verified in the material provided.
Varma alleged that the YSRCP was seeking to revive faction-based politics in Rayalaseema by creating tensions during the local election process. He claimed that the attacks were intended to undermine public confidence in law enforcement and prevent opposition candidates from participating freely.
Contrasting the allegations with the TDP-led coalition government's development agenda, he said the government was working to attract industries and investments from other states, while the opposition was allegedly bringing outsiders to create disturbances.
Varma maintained that the coalition government had a strong electoral mandate and had no reason to resort to intimidation. He also invoked the political legacy of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, crediting the TDP with efforts to curb factionalism and promote development in Rayalaseema.
The TDP leader also levelled allegations against YSRCP MP P. Mithun Reddy, claiming that he had driven a vehicle towards police personnel and party workers during the recent incidents. Varma compared the allegation with a separate incident involving YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, which he referred to in his remarks.
The claims concerning the alleged vehicle incident were not independently established in the supplied statement. An official police account and a response from Mithun Reddy would be necessary to establish the circumstances.
Varma further alleged that the opposition was using intimidation to secure uncontested victories in local elections. He urged candidates to exercise their democratic rights without fear and called on the Election Commission and law enforcement authorities to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Highlighting the coalition government's development agenda, Varma referred to efforts to attract investments, generate employment and strengthen infrastructure in Rayalaseema.
He credited the TDP with bringing the Kia automobile manufacturing project to the region and said the government was focusing on industrial development, horticulture and irrigation projects. He also attributed investment mobilisation efforts to Minister Nara Lokesh, citing a figure of ₹24 lakh crore in investments.
The investment figure and the status of individual projects were not independently verified for this report.
Varma alleged that the opposition was attempting to create political instability because of the coalition government's development initiatives. He also claimed that the government was working to complete irrigation projects and improve drinking water access in the region.
Varma warned that anyone found responsible for violence, intimidation or violations of election rules would face legal consequences, irrespective of political position. He said the government would not tolerate repeated attempts to disturb public order.
He also cautioned elected representatives against conduct that could undermine the election process, adding that violations of applicable laws could attract legal and electoral consequences, subject to the relevant statutory provisions.
The TDP leader called on the YSRCP to put aside what he described as factional politics and seek public support through its policies and performance rather than confrontation.
The allegations come amid political tensions surrounding local body elections in parts of Andhra Pradesh. Independent confirmation of the incidents, the status of any police cases and responses from the YSRCP leaders named in the remarks would be necessary to establish the full circumstances.
