VIJAYAWADA: A delegation of the opposition YSRC Party called on the State Election Commission (SEC) on Thursday, asking it to ensure that the upcoming local body by-elections are conducted in a transparent and impartial manner.
The delegation included former chief whip Gadikota Srikanth Reddy, former MLA Malladi Vishnu, MLC Mondithoka Arun Kumar and NTR district YSRC president Devineni Avinash. They called on SEC Neelam Sawhney and submitted a memorandum seeking a free and fair electoral process as the law-and-order situation is deteriorating. They accused the ruling coalition of threatening the democratic rights of voters and candidates, expressing fears whether voters will be able to exercise their franchise freely.
The YSRC leaders pointed to a specific instance of TD leader B. Tech Ravi in Pulivendula who has warned YSR candidates against filing nominations. “The ruling coalition is resorting to threats and violence to suppress opposition voices,” charged Gadikota Srikanth Reddy.
The delegation leaders said they urged the SEC to appoint honest and competent officials to oversee the elections. They wanted the nomination processes made online to prevent coercion.
The State Election Commissioner reportedly said the software to receive nominations online is ready and can be implemented upon government’s approval.
Former MLA Malladi Vishnu criticised the coalition government for undermining democracy through what he described as a “Red Book Constitution” that enables attacks on political opponents.
