Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy has sought an independent inquiry into alleged irregularities, violence and obstruction during the ongoing urban local body elections in Andhra Pradesh, urging constitutional authorities to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
He cited incidents from Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, Chittoor, Tirupati and Anantapur districts, including an alleged attack on Rajampet MP P.V. Midhun Reddy and party candidates in Punganur, incidents of vehicle arson and restrictions on the movement of opposition leaders. Following its review, the poll body extended the nomination window in four urban local bodies.
In a representation to the President of India and the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader alleged that opposition candidates faced intimidation, attacks, obstruction during the filing of nominations and destruction of nomination papers after the election process began on October 16. The controversy reached the Supreme Court on October 21, when it directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to examine complaints and supporting evidence, defer publication of the final list of candidates, and ensure adequate police protection and CCTV surveillance at nomination centres. The election process was also temporarily halted across all 100 urban local bodies in compliance with the court’s directions.
