Attacks on Congress Candidates, Sharmila Slams Coalition Government

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila Reddy has strongly criticised the ruling coalition government, alleging that it is undermining democratic values and pursuing a “violent style of governance” in the state. She claimed that Congress candidates were prevented from filing nominations, physically attacked, threatened and had their nomination papers torn during the election process. Referring to alleged incidents in Pulivendula, Kadapa, Jammalamadugu, Rayachoti, Proddatur and Punganur, she condemned the reported attacks on behalf of the Congress party. Sharmila also questioned the transparency of the electoral process, alleging that ministers were issuing warnings near nomination centres and that the ruling coalition was misusing its authority to obstruct opposition candidates.

Sharmila further alleged that the police, who are responsible for protecting citizens, were acting in favour of the ruling party. Criticising Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government, she said that power was not permanent and democracy did not belong to any single party. She argued that suppressing opposition parties, denying candidates their rights and intimidating those who raise questions were unacceptable in a democracy. The APCC chief urged the State Election Commission to intervene immediately and conduct an impartial inquiry into the alleged irregularities during the nomination process. She also demanded that elections be halted in places where forced unanimous victories were allegedly attempted and that candidates be given another opportunity to file their nominations.