Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy has sought an independent investigation into alleged violence, irregularities and obstruction during the ongoing urban local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader has urged the President of India and the Governor of Andhra Pradesh to intervene to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
In his representation, Gurumoorthy alleged that opposition candidates faced intimidation, physical attacks and obstruction while filing nomination papers. He also claimed that nomination documents were destroyed in some places after the election process began on October 16.
The MP referred to incidents reported from Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, Chittoor, Tirupati and Anantapur districts. These included an alleged attack on Rajampet MP P. V. Midhun Reddy and party candidates in Punganur, incidents of vehicles being set on fire and restrictions on the movement of opposition leaders.
The petition also raised questions about the selective enforcement of prohibitory orders and the conduct of police personnel during the nomination process. These allegations have intensified the political dispute between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led NDA alliance and the YSRCP.
Supreme Court Intervention
The controversy reached the Supreme Court on October 21. The court 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.
Following a review, the SEC extended the nomination period in four urban local bodies. The election process was also temporarily halted across all 100 urban local bodies in compliance with the court's directions.
However, Gurumoorthy argued that the remedial measures were insufficient and that candidates in other affected areas might also have been denied a fair opportunity to contest.
He cited reports of several wards receiving no nominations and allegations that numerous aspirants had been prevented from submitting their nomination papers.
Demand for Central Security and Judicial Oversight
The YSRCP MP has called for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces in vulnerable areas to prevent further violence and intimidation. He has also sought extensions of nomination and re-nomination deadlines wherever necessary to ensure that affected candidates receive a fair opportunity to participate.
Additionally, Gurumoorthy has proposed appointing a retired High Court or Supreme Court judge to oversee the remaining election process. He has demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged involvement of officials and accountability if any misconduct is established.
The allegations have brought the conduct of the local body elections under increased scrutiny. The next steps will depend on the Election Commission's review, compliance with the Supreme Court's directions and any further decisions by the competent authorities. The claims of electoral malpractice remain allegations and require independent verification.
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