Chelluboyina accusesgovt of misusing power

Former minister Chelluboyina Srinivasa Venugopalakrishna has accused the coalition government of abusing power and undermining democratic values in the recently concluded water users’ society elections. Addressing a press conference in the city on Sunday, alongside former MLA Jakkampudi Raja, the ex-Minister alleged widespread misuse of administrative machinery, police intimidation, and deliberate hindrance of YSRCP candidates during the elections. “The coalition government has reduced these elections to a farce by denying farmers their rightful chance to contest,” said Venugopalakrishna. He alleged that No-Dues Certificates (NOCs) were deliberately withheld, while Village Revenue Officers (VROs) were confined to mandal offices under police supervision, rendering them unable to assist candidates. “This was a calculated move to ensure unopposed victories for the TDP and its allies,” he added. Criticising the government for disregarding court directives mandating secret ballot elections, he said, “The government’s actions show their fear of a fair fight.” He described the episode as a “dark chapter in Chandrababu Naidu’s career,” calling the election process undemocratic and the claims of victory misleading. Jakkampudi Raja also condemned the alleged violence and intimidation during the elections, claiming that YSRCP supporters were harassed, nomination papers were destroyed, and false cases were filed against farmers. He criticised attacks on journalists who attempted to report irregularities, calling it an assault on press freedom and democracy. Both leaders warned that officials involved in the malpractices would be held accountable. “This is not governance but an attack on democracy,” they asserted, urging people to stand united against the government’s oppressive tactics.