YSR Congress Party Raises Concerns Over Election Violence in Tirupati
YSR Congress Party demands enhanced security amid fears of violence and booth rigging in the upcoming Tirupati municipal elections.
Tirupati, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has voiced serious concerns regarding potential violence and electoral fraud in the upcoming Tirupati municipal elections scheduled for November 1. Bhuma Abhinaya Reddy, the party’s district president, urged the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission, the district collector, and the police superintendent to implement immediate precautionary measures to ensure a safe voting environment.
Leading a protest, Reddy highlighted threats received by YSRCP council candidates and their polling agents. He recalled incidents during the nomination process where party candidates faced attacks, with nomination papers being torn and disruptions occurring. This prompted the party to approach the Supreme Court for intervention.
Reddy also expressed worries about reports suggesting that outsiders might be mobilized to disrupt the voting process. He called on the police to verify this information and take preventive action.
The YSRCP leader noted that signed complaints and video statements from council candidates requesting security have already been submitted to election officials well in advance of the election. “We are informing the authorities beforehand because we want to prevent violence and fraud, not demand action after an incident occurs,” he stated.
The party is requesting robust police presence at each polling station, safe access for candidates and polling agents, prevention of unauthorized entry, and measures such as live webcasting and CCTV monitoring to ensure transparency.
Emphasizing the spiritual significance of Tirupati, the home of Lord Venkateswara, Reddy appealed to officials to safeguard the city’s peace, dignity, and spiritual sanctity. He urged, “Protect the sanctity of Tirupati. Protect democracy. Ensure the safety of our candidates, polling agents, and every voter. Elections should be determined by the people, not through fear or intimidation.”
Reddy called on the state election commission, the district collector, and the superintendent of police to guarantee free, fair, and peaceful voting. Elections for 100 urban local bodies across the state are set for November 1, following a postponement from October 28 due to a Supreme Court directive to extend the nomination process. The YSRCP had previously complained that the ruling coalition resorted to violence and intimidation to prevent its candidates from submitting nominations.
