Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MP from Tirupati Maddila Gurumoorthy has sought an independent inquiry into alleged failures of the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC), accusing election authorities of failing to ensure a level playing field during the ongoing municipal, MPTC and ZPTC elections.
In representations dated October 25 to President Droupadi Murmu and Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, the YSRCP MP alleged widespread violence, intimidation of opposition candidates, destruction of nomination papers, police interference and obstruction of candidates seeking to file nominations.
Mr. Gurumoorthy cited incidents reported from Punganur, Pulivendula, Kadapa, Proddatur, Mydukur, Badvel, Rayachoti, Tirupati and other places. He also referred to the alleged attack on Rajampet MP P.V. Midhun Reddy, the burning of vehicles, house arrests of opposition leaders and obstruction of candidates during the nomination process.
Mr. Gurumoorthy argued that the SEC had failed to respond adequately despite Supreme Court directions to examine complaints and provide protection to candidates. He questioned why extensions for filing nominations were granted in only four urban local bodies and not in other municipalities where similar allegations had emerged.
Citing the figures in his representation, the MP said that 222 wards across seven municipalities had no YSRCP nominations because candidates were allegedly prevented from filing their papers. He also referred to complaints that 1,345 MPTC and ZPTC candidates faced obstruction during the nomination process.
Seeking accountability, Mr. Gurumoorthy called for an independent examination of the SEC’s handling of complaints, deployment of police personnel, nomination-related irregularities and compliance with Supreme Court directions.
He demanded that CCTV footage, nomination records, police reports and other electronic evidence be preserved to facilitate an impartial investigation. He also sought the deployment of Central security forces, fresh opportunities for affected candidates to file nominations and independent judicial oversight.
The YSRCP MP urged the President and the Governor to consider appropriate constitutional action against officials, including the State Election Commissioner, if an impartial inquiry establishes misconduct or serious administrative failures.
Published – October 26, 2026 03:46 pm IST