Bhumana slams TDP’s undemocratic tactics in Kuppam civic polls


Tirupati, April 28: Former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy has criticised TDP undermining democracy in Kuppam, Naidu’s own constituency. 
Speaking to the media here, Reddy asserted that the TDP, with only six councillors in the Kuppam Municipality, secured the chairman’s post with the support of 15 members by resorting to coercion and financial inducements. He stated that TDP lured nine YSRCP councillors, elected on the fan symbol, with offers of Rs. 50 lakh each, brazenly mocking the democratic process. “Naidu, who claims to champion democracy, has acted like a venomous snake, striking at the heart of people’s mandate in Kuppam,” Reddy declared, emphasizing that such tactics for a position with less than a year’s tenure expose the TDP’s desperation for power.
Reddy highlighted a broader pattern of undemocratic practices by the TDP-led NDA coalition across Andhra Pradesh over the past three months. He pointed to the coalition’s aggressive tactics in capturing local body positions, including chairman, vice-chairman, mayor, and deputy mayor posts, through unethical means. 
“The chaos orchestrated by coalition leaders in the Tirupati and Visakhapatnam mayor elections left the state in shock,” Reddy stated TDP of stooping to any level to seize power. He contrasted this with the YSRCP’s tenure, where democratic values were upheld, citing the example of Tadipatri, where the TDP secured the municipal chairman post with just one seat in 2019. “We respected the democratic process, but under Naidu’s leadership, the coalition is puncturing democracy at every step,” he said.
The YSRCP leader called on the people of Andhra Pradesh to recognize the “sinful governance” of the TDP and hold the coalition accountable. He warned that the public’s growing discontent would manifest in the coming days, predicting a strong backlash against Naidu’s authoritarian tactics. “The people elected their leaders, but the TDP’s backdoor manoeuvres have devalued their mandate. Democrats across the state are alarmed, and the public will not remain silent,” Reddy asserted. He urged citizens to unite in safeguarding democracy and vowed that the YSRCP would continue its fight to restore people-centric governance.