Police, SEC acted as Chandrababu agents in local polls: Margani Bharat

Rajamahendravaram, Nov 2: YSRCP former MP Margani Bharat slammed the TDP-led coalition government, stating that the police and State Election Commission (SEC) had effectively joined hands with the ruling alliance in the local body elections instead of ensuring free and fair polling. Addressing the media at the YSRCP district office in Rajamahendravaram, he said the municipal and corporation elections had become a platform for the coalition’s violence, intimidation and electoral malpractice.

Bharat said the elections were no longer a contest between political parties alone, as the police machinery and the SEC had joined the coalition in the electoral battle. Several officials behaved like ruling-party workers, threatening opposition candidates and supporters while facilitating the coalition’s high-handed actions. Institutions responsible for protecting democracy instead functioned in support of the ruling alliance, he criticised.

He condemned the brutal attacks carried out by TDP goons using stones, sticks and fists during municipal polling. Women and journalists were also targeted, with media personnel prevented from performing their duties. Such violence and intimidation amounted to a direct assault on democracy and exposed the coalition’s disregard for democratic principles.

Questioning Minister Nara Lokesh, Bharat said Lokesh had circulated false social media posts concerning the electoral irregularities in Pulivendula but remained silent about the violence and atrocities committed by TDP leaders and their supporters. He demanded to know why Lokesh refused to speak about the attacks carried out by his own party's men.

Bharat also questioned the transparency of the Rajahmundry municipal election process, asking how ward reservation details had circulated in WhatsApp groups even before their official announcement. He demanded an explanation for the premature disclosure of reservation information and the conduct of the authorities responsible for the electoral process.