NDA Alliance Will Respect the SEC’s Decision

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena Party and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which form the ruling alliance in Andhra Pradesh, have issued a joint press statement on the ongoing local body election process. The statement, issued in the names of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and BJP Andhra Pradesh president PVN Madhav, said the alliance would abide by decisions taken by the State Election Commission (SEC). The leaders said the alliance had sought a mandate in the 2024 elections on the promise of rebuilding the state and had since focused on welfare, development and good governance. They stressed that strengthening local bodies was essential for comprehensive development and said holding elections within the prescribed timeframe would help the state access funds from the 16th Finance Commission and the Union government.

The alliance leaders accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of attempting to obstruct the elections through court petitions and alleged incidents of violence in various areas. They also referred to the local body elections held during the previous YSRCP government, alleging that opposition candidates had faced intimidation and obstacles while filing nominations. The statement recalled concerns raised by the then State Election Commissioner over alleged irregularities and unopposed victories. The alliance said it was committed to ensuring that the current elections were conducted transparently, democratically and peacefully. It pledged to cooperate with the SEC and respect its decisions, adding that voters should be able to elect their representatives freely and that the benefits of development should reach every household.