The local body elections and the polling pattern in Pulivendula constituency have become the centre of intense tension and controversy. YSR Congress Party president and former chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the BJP of indulging in vendetta politics. Though he himself went to the polling station to exercise his right to vote, he did not cast his vote as he was upset over the irregularities.
YS Jagan addressed the media on the occasion. He lamented that if he, as a voter, casts his vote now, it would be the murder of democracy. He said that he felt it was important to strongly oppose the injustice happening there, rather than just cast his vote and leave. Election Commission is working completely under the government and Chandrababu is behaving like a human being. Also, the officials have become puppets in the hands of the ruling party and left the rules to the wind.
Jagan recalled that they had already given clear complaints to the officials and the Returning Officer on the attacks in Pulivendula, the registration of stolen votes and rigging. Also said he took the decision as there was no proper response from the election officials and irregularities continued unabated. Based on their complaints, the Election Commission responded and demanded immediate re-polling in Pulivendula. He made it clear that he would come and exercise his franchise only after the re-polling date was announced.
