Amaravati: In a bid to ensure fair elections in Andhra Pradesh, TDP national general secretary Mr. Varla Ramaiah lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding alleged interference by the state police in electoral affairs.
Addressing concerns of biased policing favoring the ruling YSRCP, Ramaiah urged the ECI to appoint special observers to monitor ongoing election arrangements, citing instances of police harassment against NDA partners. Specifically, he accused the Vijayawada Police Commissioner of targeting TDP candidates and supporters, notably implicating Vijayawada (Central) Assembly segment candidate Mr. Bonda Umamaheswara Rao in false cases.
Highlighting an incident involving Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s roadshow, Ramaiah detailed alleged police misconduct, including unjust arrests and coercion of witnesses. He expressed concerns over the erosion of rule of law, pointing to instances of custodial torture and coercion to implicate political opponents.
Ramaiah emphasized the need for independent oversight to prevent electoral malpractice, calling for the deputation of special election and police observers from outside the state. He urged the ECI to closely scrutinize the functioning of the Vijayawada Police Commissionerate and ensure candidates’ freedom from malicious prosecution, warning that failure to do so could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
