Kasu Mahesh Reddy condemns police interference in local body elections

Narasaraopet, Nov 6: Former MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s government of undermining democracy during the local body elections, alleging that candidates, polling agents and voters faced intimidation and police interference.

Speaking to the media at his residence, Reddy said the state had witnessed political conduct unseen in its 75-year democratic history. He alleged that opposition candidates were prevented from filing nominations, detained or threatened, while some ZPTC candidates were offered money to withdraw. He also condemned incidents in which women’s sarees were allegedly pulled during the nomination process.

Reddy alleged that police obstructed polling agents at polling stations, including in Guttikonda and Gottimukkala. He said that in Gurazala, even some TDP leaders and workers were prevented from voting. He further claimed that polling booths placed near dominant-caste homes discouraged BC, SC and ST voters from exercising their franchise.

He accused the coalition government of using the police to suppress the opposition and warned that people would reject its arrogance. Reddy said YSRCP would pursue legal action against officials found responsible for detaining candidates, obstructing agents or violating voters’ rights.

He also said the previous YSRCP government had delivered development and welfare in Palnadu, including schools, hospitals, roads, house sites and drinking water projects.