TDP MLC Varla Ramaiah accuses Jagan Mohan Reddy and YSRCP leaders of instigating violence during Pulivendula municipal polling. He appeals to officials to ensure peaceful elections.
Varla Ramaiah Accuses Jagan of Orchestrating Violence During Pulivendula Municipal Polls
TDP MLC alleges arson, bogus voting attempts and stone-pelting
Appeals to officials to ensure peaceful polling
Mangalagiri: TDP MLC Varla Ramaiah on Sunday accused YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of instigating violence and creating unrest during the municipal elections in Pulivendula. He alleged that the incidents were intended to disrupt polling and create panic among voters.
Addressing a press conference at the TDP Central Office in NTR Bhavan, Mangalagiri, Ramaiah claimed that the YSRCP was resorting to violent tactics amid growing public participation in the election process. He said voters, including women and elderly people, had been turning up at polling stations since 7 a.m. to exercise their franchise.
Ramaiah described the polling process as a significant change in Pulivendula, which he alleged had remained under the influence of the YS family for decades. He credited the administration led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the Election Commission's monitoring with creating conditions for voters to exercise their franchise freely.
The TDP leader alleged that YSRCP leaders had brought outsiders into the constituency overnight in cars and tractors to cast bogus votes. He claimed that after police intervened and prevented these attempts, some YSRCP cadres set vehicles on fire to create tension and blame the ruling alliance.
He also alleged that groups of people had resorted to stone-pelting and moved through the streets carrying rods and sticks. According to Ramaiah, the incidents were organised rather than spontaneous. He referred to Jagan's earlier remarks during a visit to the constituency and claimed that the violence on polling day reflected those statements.
Ramaiah also rejected allegations that Jagan was denied permission for his helicopter to land. He said the District Collector had already communicated approval of the landing schedule to Jagan's personal staff. He alleged that the former Chief Minister deliberately remained airborne to oversee the situation and project himself as a victim before the national media.
The TDP MLC criticised the Sakshi media network, accusing it of presenting a misleading account of the developments. These allegations were made by Ramaiah during the press conference.
Concluding his address, Ramaiah appealed to the police, revenue officials and election personnel to discharge their responsibilities without fear or external pressure. He said officials had the backing of the law and the State Election Commission and urged them to ensure that polling was conducted peacefully and in accordance with election rules.
