'YSRCP Govt Manipulating Poll Process': Ex-Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Tells EC

The former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also accused Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led state government of manipulating voter lists by including fraudulent voters.

Chandrababu Naidu insisted that the Election Commission should deploy central police observers if necessary

Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu met Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar in Vijayawada on Tuesday. During the meeting, he raised several complaints against YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh. He briefed the situation to Election Commission officials when they were on a two-day visit to the state ahead of the forthcoming legislative assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

Chandrababu Naidu was accompanied by Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan during the meeting.

Addressing reporters after meeting the Election Commission officials, Naidu as per a report on PTI alleged, "Atrocities are happening unlike any other time. Democracy is being ridiculed. To restrain us from working, they (YSRCP government) tried to destroy the entire structure of our party, its workers and leaders." 

The former Chief Minister also accused the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led state government of manipulating voter lists by including fraudulent voters.

TDP chief urged Election Commission to allocate officials for election duty based on the best practices observed at the national level. Naidu argued that experienced personnel, such as teachers and government officials, are typically appointed for election duty, whereas the YSRCP government is assigning women police officials as booth level officers (BLO).

Expressing concern that 2,600 women police officials have been designated as BLOs in 83 constituencies, he questioned their expertise in election duties, as per the report.

Naidu insisted that the Election Commission should deploy central police observers if necessary, establish a dedicated cell, and closely monitor the election process to eliminate irregularities.

He also brought to the EC's attention that government officials, including district collectors, have been actively participating in an election campaign titled 'Why AP Needs Jagan' to endorse the YSRCP chief.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the situation, Naidu complained that thousands of cases have been filed against TDP and Janasena leaders and activists. He specifically highlighted the Punganur case, where 250 individuals were booked, and emphasized that now bindover cases are also being filed.