SEC’s biased conduct has undermined democracy: YSRCP

Vijayawada, Nov. 5: YSRCP State General Secretary and MLC Lella Appi Reddy accused the State Election Commission (SEC) of failing to act on complaints and evidence of irregularities in the MPTC and ZPTC elections. He spoke to the media after submitting a complaint to the SEC along with party leaders.

Lella Appi Reddy said Supreme Court directions on CCTV cameras, videography, webcasting and voter protection were not properly followed. Of 31,500 polling booths statewide, he said, cameras were installed in only 16,000. He alleged that agents were removed and rigging took place in Kuppam, while voters in Pulivendula were intimidated with petrol bombs and party leaders and agents were detained. He also cited alleged obstruction of polling in Krishna, NTR and Palnadu districts, incidents in Punganur and Pileru, and an attack in Kuderu mandal of Uravakonda.

He alleged that police and revenue officials acted in favour of the ruling coalition. He also said YSRCP candidates’ victories were overturned during municipal counting through recounts and pressure from TDP leaders.

Reddy said party leaders had submitted several complaints and supporting evidence, but the SEC had not taken effective action. He urged the Commission to preserve CCTV footage from counting centres, alleging that TDP leaders had moved around freely and influenced the process. The party would use the footage to pursue legal action against those responsible, he said.

He warned that YSRCP would pursue legal action against the officials, police personnel and political leaders it holds responsible, and would also seek to hold the SEC accountable. He was accompanied by former MLA T.J.R. Sudhakar Babu and other party leaders.