TDP turns nomination centres into rigging centres: YSRCP

*Vijayawada, Oct 23:* YSRCP leaders lodged a complaint with State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha over widespread violence, nomination obstruction and electoral irregularities by TDP workers. Addressing the media outside the SEC office, MLCs Lella Appi Reddy and Kalpalatha Reddy, along with Employees and Pensioners Wing State President Nalamaaru Chandrasekhar Reddy, demanded immediate intervention.

Appi Reddy condemned the coalition government for obstructing YSRCP candidates even on the final day of nominations. Opposition leaders were placed under house arrest while ruling-party candidates enjoyed unrestricted access. Police and revenue officials were functioning as TDP workers, allowing nomination papers to be torn, candidates attacked and cases registered against victims.

Despite Supreme Court directions, the SEC provided limited relief in only four of the 19 affected municipalities. Issuing police escort instructions just 90 minutes before the deadline was meaningless for candidates travelling from villages. He demanded an extension, adequate protection and action against fabricated YSRCP nominations and withdrawals, while questioning new B-Form deadlines. He also sought cancellation of TDP's registration and warned of legal accountability for election irregularities.

Kalpalatha Reddy condemned attacks on women, including saree-pulling and physical assaults, questioning the silence of the woman Home Minister. She demanded effective police protection and justice for affected candidates.

Chandrasekhar Reddy criticised officials for witnessing attacks without intervening and demanded immediate action instead of meaningless announcements.

The leaders condemned the police assault on former Minister Vidadala Rajini in Chilakaluripet and demanded independent SEC intervention, extension of nominations and action against responsible officials.