The Telugu Desam has approached Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha with a complaint alleging attacks, vandalism, intimidation and violations of election rules during the local body nomination process, intensifying a dispute over the conduct of elections in the state.
A delegation comprising MLCs Varla Ramaiah and Parchuri Ashok Babu, Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Infrastructure Corporation chairman S Rajasekhar and TD leader Gottipati Ramakrishna Prasad submitted the written complaint along with video evidence and press reports, according to the party. The complaint refers to alleged incidents in nine areas: Hanumanthunipadu, Krishnagiri, Kuravapalli, Peddatippasamudram, Peddamandyam, Yadlapadu, Chowdepalli, Dharmavaram and Macherla.
The TD alleged that its candidates and supporters were attacked, vehicles were damaged and police personnel were threatened or assaulted during the nomination process. These claims were made by the party in its representation to the State Election Commission and in statements to the media; the supplied report does not include a response from the YSRC to the latest allegations.
Speaking to reporters, Ramaiah accused YSRC cadres of attempting to disrupt the elections through petitions and what he described as fabricated evidence. He also defended the State Election Commission’s handling of complaints, saying the commission had suspended the election process at more than 100 locations to facilitate scrutiny.
According to Ramaiah, the SEC obtained reports from collectors and superintendents of police in all 28 districts before reviewing the complaints. After examining those reports, the commission ordered fresh acceptance of nominations in four locations, he said. The report does not specify the four locations or provide the SEC’s written order.
The TD’s complaint also highlighted Macherla, where Ramaiah alleged that violence had escalated. He claimed that the brother of former MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy led about 300 people in attacks on police, damaged barricades and assaulted party workers with stones and sticks. He further alleged that motorcycles were set on fire and that police officers of inspector and sub-inspector rank were assaulted. These allegations have not been independently established in the supplied material.
The party has urged the SEC to order preventive arrests and take stringent action against those responsible. Varla also demanded that the Election Commission of India cancel the YSRC’s recognition, alleging that the party had used money and muscle power to obstruct the democratic process.
Ramaiah referred to Supreme Court directions concerning 19 complaints filed by the YSRC, saying the court had authorised the SEC to examine them individually and had not granted the party blanket relief. He called on political parties to pursue their grievances through constitutional and democratic channels rather than force. The next action on the TD complaint will depend on the State Election Commission’s examination of the submitted evidence and reports from the relevant authorities.
