YSRCP seeks central forces and safe nominations

Tadepalli, Oct 9: YSR Congress Party has urged the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to ensure that threats, intimidation and misuse of official machinery do not undermine the forthcoming local body elections. In three separate letters, YSRCP MLC Lella Appi Reddy sought continuous security monitoring, an additional nomination facility at district headquarters and deployment of Central Armed Police Forces to protect candidates and voters throughout the electoral process.

MLC  Appi Reddy requested adequate protection for candidates, proposers and election agents, citing concerns over threats and attacks by persons associated with the TDP. He sought uninterrupted CCTV coverage at nomination centres, sensitive polling stations, strong rooms and counting centres, with live webcasting wherever feasible. He also requested independent observers, mobile monitoring teams, a dedicated complaint helpline and prompt action against intimidation and misuse of government machinery.

He urged the Commission to allow municipal election candidates to submit nominations at district headquarters before the Collector or authorised election officials. Citing fears of attacks and obstruction at municipal nomination centres, he sought an additional secure facility, with clear arrangements for forwarding papers to the concerned Returning Officers. Every eligible candidate must have a fair opportunity to contest without coercion, he stressed.

 Appi Reddy also sought Central Armed Police Forces from before nominations begin until counting concludes and results are declared. Expressing the party’s lack of confidence in the impartiality of State police under the TDP coalition, he urged the Commission to coordinate deployment to prevent obstruction of nominations, forced withdrawals and interference with campaigning, polling and counting.