Amid growing public support for YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and widespread resentment against the coalition government, Chandrababu Naidu is resorting to unethical and violent tactics to secure victories in Andhra Pradesh’s local by-elections. His actions, driven by the fear of an imminent political downfall, have plunged the electoral process into chaos.
Ruthless tactics in Pulivendula ZP by-election
In the Pulivendula ZPTC by-election, Chandrababu’s inability to counter YS Jagan’s mass appeal has led to desperate measures. Unable to compete fairly, he is allegedly orchestrating attacks on YSRCP leaders through police and TDP goons. Recent incidents include a brutal assault on Suresh Reddy and Amareshwar Reddy during a wedding in Saidapuram, where Amareshwar’s head was smashed, and a targeted attack on Ramalinga Reddy and MLC Ramesh Yadav with clear intent to kill. Such violent political maneuvers for a single ZPTC seat expose Chandrababu’s moral bankruptcy, with actions far less dignified than even a village sarpanch.
Deceptive strategies in GVMC standing committee clections
In Visakhapatnam’s GVMC Standing Committee elections, YSRCP demonstrated its enduring strength despite lacking power or resources. Originally holding 59 seats, YSRCP’s strength was reduced to 32 after the coalition poached 27 members. Yet, in the recent elections, YSRCP secured one committee and garnered up to 50 votes in one instance, far exceeding its numbers. Without spending a single rupee or relying on police support, YSRCP’s success reflects the unshakable trust people place in Jagan’s leadership.
Police misuse and false cases
The coalition government, under Chandrababu’s influence, is weaponizing the police to suppress YSRCP. Over 100 YSRCP workers and leaders face false cases, illegal arrests, and bindovers. In a shocking miscarriage of justice, Ramalinga Reddy, a victim of a violent attack, was falsely charged under SC/ST laws. Authorities are withholding FIR copies, denying access to legal recourse, as part of a calculated conspiracy to arrest key YSRCP figures during elections, thereby rigging the ZPTC polling process.
Partisan police under DIG’s command
The police machinery, meant to uphold law and order, has become a tool of the ruling party. DIG Koya Praveen, allegedly acting on Chandrababu’s directives, is accused of openly favoring TDP and wishing harm upon YSRCP leaders. His claim that democratic elections are a “business” reflects a dangerous bias. The police’s failure to arrest attackers and their audacity to file cases against victims, including SC/ST charges, highlight a complete erosion of impartiality, undermining the democratic process in Pulivendula.
YS Jagan’s unstoppable public wave
YS Jagan’s every public appearance sparks a massive outpouring of support, as seen in the thousands who gathered for a simple wedding event in Don constituency. This overwhelming response, even in minor elections, sends a powerful message across Andhra Pradesh. Despite TDP’s alleged deployment of police, goons, and vast resources, the public’s resounding “Jai Jagan” chants signal his inevitable return to power. In places like Kondepalli, TDP resorted to forcibly declaring unanimous results, and in recent local elections, officials and police were used to perpetrate atrocities. Yet, Pulivendula remains a stronghold YSRCP is poised to win, bruising Chandrababu’s ego and driving his reckless attacks.
A Democracy Under Siege
Chandrababu’s actions, inciting violence, manipulating elections, and misusing state machinery, threaten the very foundation of democracy in Andhra Pradesh. As Jagan’s popularity soars, Chandrababu’s panic has led to a shameful display of power abuse, leaving the public to bear the brunt of his anarchic tactics. The people’s unwavering support for YSRCP, however, signals that no amount of coercion can suppress their will.
