Jagan Mohan Reddy Accuses Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu of Electoral Fraud

Tadapalli, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of manipulating local body elections to obscure the growing support for the YSRCP. Reddy made these allegations during a meeting with party leaders, where he reviewed the recent electoral process.

He emphasized that Naidu resorted to undemocratic tactics as the YSRCP’s increasing popularity threatened the ruling party’s standing. Despite widespread reports of irregularities, intimidation, and manipulation during the elections, Reddy commended party workers for their resilience.

Reddy pointed out that the public has witnessed Naidu’s electoral misconduct and has recognized the extent of his misuse of power. He noted that despite the numerous discrepancies from the election announcement to the vote counting phase, the YSRCP’s vote share has increased compared to the 2024 elections. He asserted that had the elections been conducted fairly, the party would have garnered even more votes.

The YSRCP leader claimed that Naidu adopted new methods of electoral manipulation, even overturning results in areas where the YSRCP had emerged victorious. Reddy expressed disbelief that Naidu, after committing such extensive electoral fraud, would still lecture others on democracy.

Party leaders reported that they had never witnessed such electoral irregularities in their political careers. They criticized the State Election Commission for failing to fulfill its duty to conduct free and fair elections.

Reports indicated that bouncers were deployed at counting centers instead of authorized agents, and candidates’ relatives were allegedly kidnapped to force them to withdraw their nominations. Many votes cast for the YSRCP were declared invalid, and power outages were intentionally caused at counting centers to manipulate results.

Leaders noted that in areas where YSRCP candidates won, there were repeated recounts, and results were manipulated to favor the ruling party’s candidates. Requests for recounts from the YSRCP were denied, and additional ballots were provided to ensure victories for the ruling party.

Reddy also mentioned that attacks sponsored by Naidu during the elections have caused suffering in villages across Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the extent of violence and intimidation used to influence electoral outcomes.