Amaravati, October 2026 : Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday met Governor S. Abdul Nazeer at Lok Bhavan and urged him to intervene to protect democracy in the state, alleging that the ruling coalition was using undemocratic methods to prevent Opposition candidates from contesting urban local body elections.
During the meeting, Jagan apprised the Governor of alleged irregularities at nomination centres and sought the deployment of Central forces and comprehensive CCTV surveillance throughout the election process to ensure free and fair polls.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, the YSRCP chief described the situation as unprecedented and accused the coalition government of misusing its authority to obstruct Opposition candidates. He alleged that YSRCP nominees were being prevented from filing nomination papers, while supporters of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) were allowed access to nomination centres, where attacks were allegedly carried out against Opposition candidates.
Jagan also accused the police of siding with the ruling coalition instead of ensuring a level playing field for all contestants.
Citing figures to highlight the alleged obstruction, he said no nominations had been filed in eight places across the state. In 19 other places, only 36 per cent of the nomination papers had been submitted, while nomination papers of YSRCP candidates were allegedly torn up in eight locations.
In Pulivendula, only 19 nominations had been filed for 36 wards, he said, describing the situation as a serious threat to the electoral process.
Jagan further informed the Governor about the alleged treatment of YSRCP MPs Avinash Reddy, P. Mithun Reddy and Gurumoorthy at nomination centres. He also raised allegations of police firing at candidates and the registration of serious criminal cases against them.
The former Chief Minister claimed that active party workers were being targeted through a conspiracy to bind them over, allegedly to prevent them from participating in the electoral process.
Appealing to the public and all concerned authorities, Jagan urged that every eligible candidate wishing to contest the elections be allowed to submit nomination papers without intimidation or obstruction. He also called on party cadres to continue their efforts, expressing confidence that the situation would change in the coming days.
“These acts of anarchy show that Chandrababu Naidu lacks confidence, despite resorting to undemocratic practices. Denying people who wish to contest the opportunity to do so is a stain on democracy,” Jagan said.
He added that the YSRCP would explore all available options, including legal remedies, to protect democratic rights and ensure that the elections were conducted fairly.
The allegations were made by Jagan following his meeting with the Governor. The claims could not be independently verified from the information provided.
