Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday met the State Election Commissioner (SEC) and brought to his notice alleged instances of YSRCP candidates being prevented from filing their nominations in the state.
Speaking to the media at the SEC office after the meeting, Jagan said he had explained the prevailing situation and submitted evidence in support of the party’s allegations. He expressed concern over the alleged obstruction of candidates during the nomination process and questioned the fairness of the ongoing electoral exercise. Jagan said the party had lodged a formal complaint with the State Election Commissioner, presenting evidence of instances in which YSRCP candidates were allegedly not allowed to submit their nomination papers.
According to Jagan, the SEC assured him that anyone willing to contest the elections and file a nomination would be given an opportunity to do so. He said the assurance was important in ensuring that candidates could exercise their democratic right to contest without facing unnecessary hurdles.
The YSRCP president also announced that he would meet the Governor later on Sunday to explain the situation and bring the party’s concerns to the attention of the state’s constitutional authorities.
Expressing serious reservations about the electoral environment, Jagan alleged that free and fair elections could not be conducted under the present dispensation if opposition candidates were prevented from filing nominations. He called for measures to ensure that all eligible candidates were allowed to participate in the electoral process without intimidation or obstruction.
The allegations have brought the nomination process and the role of election authorities into focus. The YSRCP has sought intervention from the State Election Commissioner and the Governor, urging them to address the reported difficulties faced by its candidates.
Ensuring that nomination procedures are conducted transparently and that all eligible candidates receive an equal opportunity to contest remains central to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.