Amaravati: In a fervent plea to the Election Commission of India (ECI), TDP senior leader and former Rajya Sabha member Kanakamedla Ravindra Kumar voiced concerns over alleged malicious tactics employed by the state police in Vijayawada, targeting TDP candidate Mr. Bonda Umamaheswara Rao under pressure from the ruling YSRCP.
In a formal letter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Kumar, also a seasoned advocate, called for ECI’s intervention to ensure free and fair elections in Andhra Pradesh. He demanded the deputation of special observers from outside the state to monitor election arrangements, highlighting the need for impartial oversight amidst escalating tensions.
Accusing the YSRCP of manipulating the state police for electoral gains, Kumar cited instances of harassment against NDA partners and undue targeting of political opponents. Specifically, he pointed to the Vijayawada Police Commissioner’s alleged misuse of authority to intimidate opposition figures, exemplified by attempts to arrest Rao on fabricated charges.
Kumar highlighted a recent incident involving Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s roadshow, where police action allegedly favored the ruling party, leading to unjust arrests and coercion of witnesses. Expressing concern over the erosion of rule of law in Vijayawada, he urged the ECI to appoint independent observers and closely scrutinize police conduct, particularly within the Vijayawada Police Commissionerate.
Drawing attention to efforts to frame Rao as a conspirator, Kumar called for unbiased assessment of the situation and stressed the importance of impartial policing to uphold democratic values.
