Margani Bharat alleges electoral malpractice in Andhra local polls (Img: Dynamite News)
Rajamahendravaram: Former YSRCP MP Margani Bharat has accused the TDP-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh of misusing official machinery during the local body elections, alleging that the police and State Election Commission (SEC) had sided with the ruling alliance instead of ensuring free and fair polling.
Addressing the media at the YSRCP district office in Rajamahendravaram, Bharat alleged that municipal and corporation elections had turned into an arena of violence, intimidation and electoral malpractice by the ruling coalition.
Bharat said the electoral contest was no longer limited to political parties, claiming that the police machinery and the SEC had effectively become part of the ruling coalition's campaign.
He alleged that several officials were behaving like ruling-party workers, threatening Opposition candidates and their supporters while allowing the coalition to act with impunity. Institutions entrusted with protecting democratic processes had instead extended support to the ruling alliance, he claimed.
The former MP also condemned attacks allegedly carried out by TDP supporters during municipal polling, claiming that stones, sticks and physical assaults were used against political opponents.
Bharat said women and journalists were also among those targeted during the violence. He alleged that media personnel were prevented from carrying out their professional responsibilities while covering the elections.
Describing the incidents as an attack on democratic principles, he accused the ruling coalition of disregarding the basic requirements of free and fair elections.
Targeting Minister Nara Lokesh, Bharat alleged that he had circulated misleading social media posts about electoral irregularities in Pulivendula but remained silent over the violence and alleged excesses involving TDP leaders and their supporters.
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He questioned why Lokesh had not spoken out against the attacks allegedly carried out by members of his own party, demanding an explanation for what he described as selective intervention.
Bharat also questioned the transparency of the municipal election process in Rajahmundry, particularly the circulation of ward reservation details on WhatsApp groups before their official announcement.
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He sought an explanation from the authorities over how the reservation information became available in advance and questioned the conduct of officials responsible for overseeing the electoral process.
The former MP's allegations have brought the conduct of the local body elections and the role of election authorities under scrutiny.
