Local Body Polls: Cash-for-Votes Allegations Surface in Markapuram and Prakasam

Allegations of cash distribution to voters have emerged in the ongoing ZPTC and MPTC elections in Markapuram and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh. While ZPTC candidates in Markapuram are reportedly distributing money to attract voters, MPTC contestants in Prakasam are also said to be offering cash in villages. Markapuram is witnessing relatively intense competition, as most of the local body seats in the district have already been decided unanimously. Of the 21 ZPTC seats, six were elected unopposed, while YSRCP candidates in four other constituencies reportedly withdrew from the contest, leaving elections in 11 seats. Close contests are expected in three or four of these constituencies. Kandla Ramireddy, the alliance's candidate for the Zilla Parishad chairperson post, is considered a prominent contender, while the YSRCP candidate has reportedly withdrawn from the Dornala contest. Meanwhile, the contest in Konakanamitla, where Kotapati Sudhakar Reddy has emerged as the YSRCP's prospective chairperson candidate, is said to be particularly keen. Cash distribution of around ₹1,000 per vote has reportedly been taking place in several mandals.

In Prakasam district, neither the TDP-led alliance nor the YSRCP has officially announced its candidate for the Zilla Parishad chairperson post. As a result, leaders from both sides are trying to establish their influence across constituencies. Elections are being held in 25 ZPTC seats, while two seats have already been decided unanimously. In Santhanuthalapadu, candidates are reportedly offering ₹1,000 per vote, particularly in the contest for MPTC positions. In the Kandukur constituency, cash amounts of ₹500 and ₹1,000 are reportedly being distributed, with intense competition reported in Ulavapadu and Gudluru mandals. The contest in Darsi is relatively low-key, as only one MPTC seat is going to polls. In the mandals under the Addanki and Kondapi constituencies, candidates are focusing on securing majorities, while New Kotapeta is witnessing a close contest. Reports also suggest that expenditure on some ZPTC contests has reached as high as ₹3 crore, making the elections an expensive affair. These claims of cash distribution and election spending require verification by election authorities.