Local body polls: Left parties accuse TDP-led alliance of subverting democracy in Andhra Pradesh

The CPI and CPI(M) have accused the TDP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Andhra Pradesh of using official machinery and police to prevent the candidates of opposition parties from filing nominations for local body elections. They exhorted the voters to defeat the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance in the elections.

Addressing the media at Dasari Bhavan here on Friday, CPI State secretary Gujjula Eswaraiah and CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao alleged that the candidates backed by the Left parties and the INDIA bloc were facing intimidation, attacks, kidnapping and obstruction during the nomination process in several districts.

The leaders demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations and the removal of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Koya Praveen from duty. They questioned the way poll-related complaints were being handled by the State Election Commission (SEC).

They alleged that the police failed to act, even though video and audio evidence supported the allegations.

Mr. Eswaraiah cited incidents reported from Kadapa, Tirupati, Markapuram, Dachepalli, Chilakaluripet, Narasaraopet and other places. “The CPI candidates were prevented from filing nominations in Kadapa, while a party candidate was kidnapped in the Pithapuram constituency of Kakinada district by the Jana Sena leaders. A CPI(M) activist was attacked near Giddalur in Prakasam district. Nomination papers were torn up in Narasaraopet,” he alleged.

Alleging that the police failed to respond to the complaints, he questioned the SEC’s “inaction”. An election victory achieved by preventing opponents from contesting undermines its democratic legitimacy, they said.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao alleged that the ruling coalition leaders were using outsiders to intimidate the opposition candidates and that some candidates were being forced to withdraw from the contest. He called for measures to ensure that voters could exercise their franchise without fear.

The Left leaders criticised the State and Central governments over rising prices, unemployment, corruption and inadequate civic amenities, including drinking water, roads and drainage. They alleged that the governments had failed to fulfil several public commitments.

Meanwhile, the CPI and CPI(M) have agreed to seat-sharing in areas where they reached a mutual understanding.

The leaders appealed to voters to elect candidates backed by the two parties and the INDIA bloc, adding that the parties, if voted to power, would focus on local issues and public accountability.

CPI and CPI(M) State secretariat members Akkineni Vanaja and Y. Venkateswara Rao were present at the media conference.