Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has made serious allegations regarding the conduct of Mandal Parishad President (MPP) by-elections in Vinjamuru and Bommanahalli mandals. He accused the ruling Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government of orchestrating intimidation, violence, and misuse of the police machinery to manipulate the outcome of the elections. According to Reddy, the developments represent a disturbing erosion of democratic norms at the grassroots level.
Allegations of Intimidation and Voter Suppression
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy stated that in the Udayagiri constituency under Vinjamuru mandal, YSRCP members were allegedly prevented from exercising their right to vote. He claimed party workers were stopped on roads, attacked, and threatened, while one elected representative was allegedly kidnapped and another taken into police custody. A woman MPTC member reportedly sustained bleeding injuries during the incidents. Reddy alleged that these actions were deliberately planned to prevent members from participating in the indirect election process.
Charges of Police Misuse and Administrative Silence
The YSRCP president accused the police of acting in a partisan manner, alleging that law enforcement officials failed to protect elected representatives and instead facilitated the ruling party’s actions. He described the police as “silent spectators” who allegedly allowed the intimidation to continue unchecked. According to Reddy, such conduct reflects a dangerous precedent where constitutional institutions are compromised, weakening public confidence in governance and law enforcement.
Similar Claims from Bommanahalli Mandal
Reddy alleged that a similar pattern of intimidation was witnessed in Bommanahalli mandal of Rayadurgam constituency. He claimed that elected representatives were attacked publicly and forcibly prevented from participating in the election process. Describing the situation as a systematic breakdown of democratic order, he said such incidents indicate an increasingly authoritarian approach by the ruling coalition, even in small local body elections.
Demand for Accountability and Fresh Elections
The YSRCP has demanded the cancellation of the MPP by-elections in the affected mandals and called for fresh polls under strict supervision to ensure fairness and transparency. The party stated that it is documenting all alleged incidents and would pursue legal and judicial remedies to hold those responsible accountable. Formal representations have been made to the State Election Commission and the Director General of Police seeking immediate intervention.
Broader Implications for Democratic Governance
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy warned that if democratic norms are undermined at the local body level, it signals a deeper governance crisis. He questioned how democracy could function at larger levels if indirect elections are allegedly reduced to displays of force. While the ruling TDP-led coalition has not issued an immediate response, the allegations have intensified political scrutiny over electoral integrity and the role of institutions in safeguarding democracy in Andhra Pradesh.
