YSRCP demands cancellation of by-polls amid TDP misconduct

Anantapuram, August 12: Sake Sailajanath, former Minister and Singanamala Constituency Coordinator, demanded the immediate cancellation of the Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTC by-elections, calling for fresh, transparent polls. Addressing the media at the YSRCP office in Anantapuram, he accused the State Election Commission (SEC) and government of failing to uphold democratic norms, alleging the ruling TDP manipulated institutions to rig the process.
Sailajanath condemned the elections as a "shame to democracy," citing TDP-orchestrated booth capturing, relocation of polling stations, expulsion of YSRCP agents, and voter intimidation with sticks. "In my political career, I’ve never seen such unethical practices," he stated. He accused police of enabling fake voting by TDP goons, while the SEC ignored YSRCP complaints about rowdyism, including violent attacks on villages since the election notification. "The Commission turned a blind eye, letting democracy be trampled," he charged.
He criticized the coalition government for eroding public trust, leaving citizens in fear. "The SEC failed to ensure fair voting, aiding anti-social elements," Sailajanath said, warning that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s tactics threaten Andhra Pradesh’s future. He noted police complicity with rowdies and the failure of district officials, SPs, DGPs, and the SEC.
Demanding fresh elections, Sailajanath emphasized that these by-elections, triggered by deceased members’ short remaining terms, do not affect government stability. Yet, he accused Naidu of reviving factionalism for political gain, endangering peaceful villages and the youth’s future. "The coalition mocks the law with power as their shield, but such tactics won’t last," he asserted, urging stakeholders to protect Andhra Pradesh’s democratic fabric.