Coalition's Municipal Election Victory Is Not People's Mandate: YS Sharmila

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila Reddy has criticised the coalition parties over their victory in the municipal elections, alleging that it was not a genuine reflection of the people's mandate. Speaking in Vijayawada, she questioned the need for democracy and public participation if those in power could allegedly manipulate the electoral process and declare themselves winners. She accused the ruling coalition of undermining transparency, free and fair elections, and democratic values. Sharmila alleged that the victory was achieved through the misuse of power, suppression of public voices and intimidation of opposition parties. She stressed that the right to vote is one of the most important constitutional rights of citizens.

Sharmila further alleged that the Election Commission had been turned into an institution favouring the coalition and that the police machinery was being misused. She accused the ruling parties of resorting to intimidation and coercion to secure unanimous victories, driving opposition candidates away and using force to take control of ballot boxes in areas where elections were held. She also alleged that voters were intimidated and prevented from exercising their franchise. Describing such alleged actions as a serious threat to the survival of democracy and the independence of institutions, she urged the people of Andhra Pradesh to recognise what she termed an assault on democratic values.