Keep Criminals Away from Politics, Elect Good Leaders in Local Body Polls: AP CM Naidu

Amaravati, Oct 19 (TNT):  Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday called upon people to keep criminals away from public life and politics and elect good leaders in the forthcoming local body elections, stating that the next 20 years would be crucial for the state’s development.

He accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of resorting to violence, intimidation and alleged misuse of official machinery to secure political power.

Addressing the media, Naidu said people should support coalition candidates in local body elections to ensure good governance and sustained development.

While the coalition government was focused on development, the YSRCP was allegedly pursuing a destructive political agenda, he charged.

Criticising the conduct of the previous YSRCP government during local body elections, Naidu claimed that 24 per cent of Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) seats and 19 per cent of Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) seats were won unopposed during its tenure.

He alleged that these victories were secured through the misuse of official power and intimidation of opposition candidates.

He further alleged that legislation was introduced to disqualify opposition candidates, liquor bottles were planted at their residences to implicate them in cases, and opposition parties were prevented from filing nominations. Candidates were not even allowed to file nominations in Pulivendula, he claimed.

In contrast, candidates from various parties, including the YSRCP, had filed nominations in Kuppam, Pithapuram and Pulivendula in the ongoing election process, Naidu said.

Referring to YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s recent visit to the State Election Commission (SEC), Naidu questioned the conduct of the opposition leader and alleged that he had taken media representatives along and broadcast the meeting live.

He recalled that the SEC during the previous government had sought protection from the Centre after reporting alleged irregularities in local body elections.

Naidu accused the YSRCP of continuing to resort to violence and intimidation during the current election process and said the government would take appropriate action against those responsible for alleged excesses.

The coalition would also confront the party politically and expose its actions, he added.

The Chief Minister alleged that the YSRCP was attempting to shift responsibility for violence onto him and his government.

Referring to the murder of former minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, he alleged that attempts had been made to implicate him in the case.

“Violence has no place in my life. But I will not run away from criminals and rowdies,” Naidu said, adding that he would not be intimidated by threats or retaliation for action against those involved in criminal activities.

He also accused the YSRCP president of staying in Bengaluru and visiting Andhra Pradesh occasionally to hold press conferences, alleging that the party was willing to resort to any means to regain political power.

Naidu further criticised the YSRCP’s statements on Generation Z, alleging that the party was attempting to use young people as political pawns instead of focusing on their welfare and development.

He reiterated that maintaining law and order, preventing violence in politics and electing responsible representatives were essential for Andhra Pradesh’s long-term progress.

TNT KM