Home Minister assures peaceful ZPTC byelections in Pulivendula and Ontimitta amid rising tensions, allegations
Addressing a press conference at the Velagapudi secretariat on Monday, she stated, 'The Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTC elections will take place in a peaceful environment. It is surprising that the former Chief Minister and Pulivendula MLA, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, is alleging irregularities and violence.'
Ms. Anitha recalled that in the past, Pulivendula had witnessed only unanimous polls, with common instances of nomination papers being torn and candidates threatened. 'Now, with 11 nominations filed in Pulivendula, it is evident that elections are being held democratically,' she added.
Responding to allegations regarding the relocation of polling booths from villages to more distant locations, she clarified, 'The changes in polling booths are entirely under the Election Commission's jurisdiction. The notification was issued on July 28, and objections were invited at that time. No political party raised any concerns then. The polling booths are approximately two kilometers away, not just for YSRCP but also for TDP. Therefore, arrangements for transportation have been made.' Ms. Anitha also expressed confidence that the TDP would secure victories in both Pulivendula and Ontimitta.
Sharing similar sentiments, BC Welfare Minister S. Savita accused the YSRCP chief of spreading falsehoods to mislead the public amid fears of defeat in the Pulivendula ZPTC by-election. She said, 'Jagan's anxiety is clear as he resorts to fake narratives and undemocratic tactics. The public is aware of the truth surrounding the murder of his uncle, Vivekananda Reddy, yet he shamelessly attempts to manipulate facts and drag the Chief Minister's name into it. These cheap tactics will not save him this time.'
Ms. Savita contrasted the current NDA government's approach, which seeks votes on the basis of its Super Six promises and transparent governance, with the previous regime under Mr. Jagan, where opposition candidates were often barred from filing nominations in local body polls. 'Back then, the Election Commission itself faced intimidation, and Mr. Jagan suppressed democracy. Today, nominations are being freely filed in Pulivendula itself — a clear testament to true democracy,' she concluded.
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