Jagan Alleges Polling Irregularities
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy demanded repolling in Pulivendula after alleging that opposition polling agents were prevented from entering booths during the November 1 municipal elections.
Jagan claimed that his party had arranged 80 polling agents, but agents were permitted at only 10 polling stations. He alleged that the remaining 70 were kept out and accused TDP workers of rigging with police support. These allegations were disputed by the ruling party.
His visit also witnessed a confrontation with Dastagiri, an approver in the YS Vivekananda Reddy murder case, who raised allegations against him concerning the case.
Jagan Addresses Supporters Amid Tension
Jagan went to the Returning Officer’s office to raise his complaints about the polling process. Officials did not allow him inside. He then staged a sit-in outside with party workers and polling agents, demanding action.
Speaking about alleged attacks on YSRCP workers, Jagan said his supporters could retaliate if he gave them a “green signal.” However, he also said he did not want them to resort to violence and maintained that the party intended to pursue its demands peacefully.
He questioned how a fair election could take place without opposition agents inside polling booths and accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s government of allowing the process to be manipulated.
Jagan Demands Repoll And Skips Voting
The YSRCP chief sought fresh polling in Pulivendula, claiming that the electoral process had been compromised. He said his party would approach the courts and challenge the alleged irregularities through legal means.
Jagan subsequently announced that he would not cast his vote under the prevailing circumstances. He left Pulivendula without voting, saying participation would amount to accepting the manner in which polling had been conducted.
The TDP rejected the YSRCP’s accusations and alleged that Jagan’s party was creating tension during the municipal elections. The supplied account does not include an official decision on the repoll demand or an independent determination of the competing claims.
