No room for irregularities in Panchayat Polls

Kurnool, Nov 13: Former Minister Buggana Rajendranath warned that undermining the electoral system would endanger Andhra Pradesh’s democratic institutions and future. He urged the government to ensure that the upcoming Gram Panchayat elections are conducted lawfully, freely and fairly, without political interference, intimidation or electoral malpractices.

YSRCP leaders, led by Nandyal District President Katasani Rambhupal Reddy, submitted a memorandum to Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen seeking impartial conduct of the elections. MLC Ishaq Basha, former MLAs Katasani Ramireddy and Silpa Chakrapani Reddy, and former MLC Gangula Prabhakar Reddy were among those present.

Speaking to the media outside the DIG office, Buggana said the violence and irregularities witnessed during the recent municipal and local body elections resembled situations once associated with Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Such developments damage democracy, Andhra Pradesh’s future and the state's reputation, he said.

He stressed that political leaders and officials come and go, but institutions remain. Once the electoral system is weakened, restoring public confidence becomes extremely difficult. Protecting its integrity is the collective responsibility of political parties, administrative authorities and the judiciary. He urged officials to prioritise public interest over political interests and ensure equal opportunities for every candidate.

Katasani Rambhupal Reddy demanded that the irregularities witnessed during the municipal, ZPTC and MPTC elections must not recur. He called for discussions involving all sections in faction-sensitive villages to resolve tensions before polling, while ensuring elections proceed without unnecessary restrictions in peaceful villages.

He emphasised that the memorandum was not about party symbols or political advantage, but about protecting citizens’ voting rights and ensuring that every voter can exercise their franchise freely, without fear or pressure.