The Pulivendula municipal elections in Andhra Pradesh have faced questions over the conduct of polling. The dispute has brought attention to the role of polling agents and the need for a fair voting process.
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy staged a protest outside the Returning Officer’s office in Pulivendula on Sunday. He demanded fresh polling in all 80 booths of the municipality.
Jagan alleged that his party’s polling agents were allowed to work in only 10 booths. He claimed that people linked to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) stopped agents from entering the remaining 70 booths and tore their authorization forms.
He also said officials did not allow him to enter the Returning Officer’s office when he went to raise the issue.
In his representation, Jagan sought an inquiry, the protection of CCTV footage and polling records, and a recommendation to the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission for re-polling in all 80 booths. Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy and other YSRCP leaders joined the protest.
