YSRCP demands swift action on poll day violence

Leaders of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) met with Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena at the Secretariat on Thursday and submitted a letter urging immediate and decisive measures in response to incidents of violence during and after polling. MLAs Kasu Mahesh Reddy, Malladi Vishnu, MLC Lella Appi Reddy, and other party members were also present.
Post the May 13 polling, YSRCP has raised concerns over alleged booth capturing, rigging, and voter intimidation by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). These grievances necessitate urgent action, including re-polling in 60 booths across 16 constituencies, alongside enhanced police oversight. Despite repeated appeals, no action has been taken.
In their efforts to address these issues, party members have requested a thorough review of live webcasting footage from contested polling stations, with the intention of substantiating their call for re-polling based on evidence captured therein. Additionally, they have formally petitioned for the filing of cases and legal proceedings against individuals implicated in unlawful activities.
Addressing the media following the meeting, Gurazala MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy warned that if the Election Commission fails to adequately address instances of election-related violence linked to the Telugu Desam Party, they are prepared to take the matter to higher judicial authorities, including the High Court and the Supreme Court. He accused Chandrababu Naidu of orchestrating disturbances on polling day, particularly targeting marginalised communities. Complaints regarding TDP-instigated violence have been consistently lodged with the Election Commission since polling day. The MLA emphasized TDP’s involvement in booth rigging and reiterated the demand for re-polling in over 60 stations.
MLA Mahesh stressed the importance of conducting thorough investigations based on available footage and advocated for re-polling in areas marred by violence and TDP-induced irregularities, where substantial evidence has been provided to the Chief Electoral Officer. He questioned the Election Commission’s inaction despite widespread reports of TDP members attempting to influence YSRCP voters and criticized instances where law enforcement failed to intervene despite knowledge of TDP’s intimidation tactics.
YSRCP MLA Malladi Vishnu disclosed prior notifications to the Election Commission regarding problematic polling centres, urging enhanced security measures to safeguard voter integrity in those areas.
 “However,” he remarked, “under pressure from BJP state president Purandheswari, the Election Commission made decisions without conducting comprehensive investigations.
This lapse contributed to outbreaks of violence in various regions of the state.”