‘AP local body polls turning into gang wars’

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Former Rajya Sabha member V. Vijayasai Reddy has launched a scathing attack on Andhra Pradesh’s political establishment, alleging that the ongoing local body elections have degenerated into “gang wars” rather than a democratic exercise, with rival political groups allegedly resorting to violence and intimidation. In a strongly worded social media post, Vijayasai Reddy claimed that two politically influential families and their respective groups were pushing the state into turmoil. Comparing the situation with Bihar, he alleged that factional rivalries had overshadowed democratic competition and endangered public safety.

Vijayasai Reddy argued that the state needed an alternative political force capable of breaking the dominance of the two rival camps. He maintained that a third political alternative was essential for Andhra Pradesh’s development and the protection of its people. The former MP also raised serious allegations about the conduct of the nomination process, accusing the ruling party of acting in collusion with sections of the police and revenue administration to obstruct opposition candidates.

He alleged that nomination papers were being torn up and candidates prevented from contesting, claiming that government officials were participating in actions that should instead be prevented by the election machinery. Comparing the current situation with the 2021 local body elections conducted under the previous YSRCP government, Vijayasai Reddy claimed that the alleged irregularities were now far more severe.

His remarks come amid continuing political controversy over reports of intimidation, attacks on candidates and destruction of nomination papers in several urban local bodies. The YSRCP has approached the State Election Commission and the courts, seeking remedies for candidates who claim they were prevented from filing nominations. The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to examine complaints from specified locations and determine whether fresh nominations should be permitted.

Vijayasai Reddy’s allegations add another dimension to the intensifying political confrontation. However, his claims concerning official complicity and electoral misconduct require independent verification. The central challenge for the election authorities remains ensuring that every eligible candidate can contest freely and that allegations of violence or procedural violations are investigated impartially.