Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 27 (ANI): YSRCP president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday accused the ruling coalition of undermining democracy through alleged irregularities in local body elections, alleging that opposition candidates were being prevented from filing nominations and official machinery was being misused to secure victories.
Addressing party cadres in Amaravati, Jagan alleged that the coalition government was resorting to undemocratic tactics because it had failed to fulfil its electoral promises and was afraid of facing elections. He maintained that elections must be conducted on a level playing field, with equal opportunities for all political parties.
“Elections should be held on a level playing field where all players should be given equal opportunity,” Jagan said, alleging that the ongoing local body elections were being rigged through the misuse of official machinery and by preventing opposition candidates from filing nomination papers.
Comparing Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to Sakuni, a character from the Mahabharata known for deceiving opponents through the use of dice, Jagan alleged that the ruling coalition was manipulating the nomination process itself, raising questions about the fairness of the eventual results.
“The State had earlier heard of booth rigging, but Chandrababu had now taken it to ‘nomination rigging’ by occupying nomination centres and preventing candidates from filing papers,” he said.
“You contest, I contest, and whoever receives the people’s vote should win. That is Democracy. Preventing opponents from contesting and then claiming victory is shameful,” Jagan added.
The YSRCP chief criticised the coalition for celebrating victories in 17 Urban Local Bodies, including 15 chairperson posts for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), one for Jana Sena and one for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He also questioned the coalition's celebration of unanimous victories in 21 per cent of the 2,108 wards.
Jagan maintained that victories secured by denying opponents an opportunity to contest could not be considered genuine electoral victories. He also questioned claims of victories in six municipalities, including those in YSR district.
Challenging Naidu to face a fair electoral contest, Jagan asked what had happened to the government's Super Six and Super Seven promises. He alleged that 143 promises remained unfulfilled even after three years and claimed that people were confronting the government over the bonds distributed before the elections.
“Unable to face them, Chandrababu is using power to manipulate elections, while sections of the media are supporting the ruling party,” he alleged.
He alleged that women were being stopped at check-posts and on roads, attacked by TDP workers, subjected to saree-pulling and deprived of their nomination papers.
“Chandrababu, you are destroying the dignity of my sisters. Do you have any shame?” he asked.
Highlighting the welfare measures implemented during the YSRCP government's tenure, Jagan referred to Asara, Cheyutha, EBC Nestham, Kapu Nestham and zero-interest loans, which he said supported women. He also cited Amma Vodi, Vidya Deevena and Vasathi Deevena as schemes that supported children's education.
He further claimed that his government had distributed 31 lakh house-site pattas, launched the construction of 21 lakh houses and provided 50 per cent reservation for women in nominated posts and contracts. (ANI)
"Chandrababu Naidu mocking democracy”: Jagan Reddy alleges irregularities in Andhra local body polls, calls for statewide movement
