Tirupati
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has urged the Election Commission of India to take action regarding a large stash of freebies allegedly intended for distribution among voters by the ruling YSR Congress Party.
Found in a warehouse in the Srikalahasti Assembly constituency, these items include wristwatches, dummy EVMs, umbrellas, grinders, cookers, speakers, and cell phone covers, all bearing pictures of Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and YSRCP’s election symbol.
The TDP claims that its members discovered a significant amount of materials belonging to the YSRCP, obtained and stockpiled to unlawfully influence voters in favor of the ruling party. After an eight-hour protest by TDP leaders, Election Commission officials inspected the old FCI warehouse.
In a complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner, TDP general secretary Varla Ramaiah requested action against the district Collector, District Superintendent of Police, and the local Returning Officer for alleged negligence. He also demanded action against YSRCP candidates and leaders for attempting to sway voters.
Bojjala Sudhir Reddy, TDP candidate from Srikalahasti, alleged the existence of three more warehouses with sealed material, suspecting they might contain cash. He insisted that Election Commission officials should open the boxes in their presence.
TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh remarked that even if Jagan Mohan Reddy were to offer one kilogram of gold to every household, his defeat is inevitable. Lokesh accused YSRCP leaders of attempting to entice voters with gifts due to their belief that winning the polls is unlikely.
