YSRCP Alleges Police Are Intimidating Candidates at TDP’s Behest Ahead of Andhra Pradesh Local Body Elections.

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused police personnel in Andhra Pradesh of allegedly acting in favor of ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders and intimidating opposition candidates during the ongoing local body election process. The party has alleged that its candidates are receiving threatening phone calls, being pressured to withdraw their nominations, and warned of serious consequences if they refuse to comply.

According to the allegations, some police personnel have allegedly threatened YSRCP candidates with false cannabis and other criminal cases if they do not withdraw from the electoral contest. The party has further claimed that when candidates refuse to give in to such pressure, their family members are being arrested to create fear and force them to reconsider their decision to contest the elections.

The allegations have raised serious questions about the impartiality of the police administration and the responsibility of the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) to ensure free and fair elections.

YSRCP Raises Questions Over Police Conduct

The opposition party has alleged that certain police officials are working in favor of TDP leaders instead of maintaining neutrality during the election process. It claims that candidates are being targeted through intimidation, threats of criminal cases and pressure on their families.

The party has questioned whether law enforcement agencies are being used to influence the electoral contest rather than protect the democratic rights of candidates. It has also raised concerns about the alleged use of arrests and criminal case threats to discourage opposition candidates from participating in local body elections.

However, these allegations require independent verification, and any specific complaint against police personnel would need to be examined through an impartial investigation.

Threats of False Cannabis Cases Alleged

One of the most serious allegations concerns threats that YSRCP candidates would face cannabis-related cases if they refused to withdraw their nominations. According to the party, candidates have allegedly been warned of severe consequences if they continue in the electoral race.

The allegations have intensified concerns about the possibility of criminal proceedings being used as a means of political pressure. If established, such conduct would raise serious questions about the misuse of police powers and the protection available to candidates participating in democratic elections.

The party has also alleged that some candidates who refused to withdraw were subjected to further pressure, including action against their family members. It claims that such tactics are intended to create fear among candidates and their supporters and discourage them from continuing their political campaign.

Family Members Allegedly Targeted to Create Fear

The YSRCP has further alleged that the families of candidates are being drawn into the dispute, with arrests reportedly being used to pressure those unwilling to withdraw from the contest.

According to the party's claims, targeting family members could create additional pressure on candidates and force them to reconsider their participation in the elections. Such allegations have raised concerns about the safety of candidates and their relatives during a politically sensitive period.

The allegations call for authorities to examine individual complaints, verify the circumstances surrounding any arrests and determine whether due legal procedures were followed. Any arrest must be based on lawful grounds and cannot legitimately be used as a tool to compel a candidate to withdraw from an election.

Supreme Court Intervention Adds to Election Concerns

The controversy comes amid wider disputes over the conduct of local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. The YSRCP has previously approached the Supreme Court, alleging that its candidates were attacked, intimidated or prevented from filing nomination papers.

In October 2026, the Supreme Court directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to examine complaints concerning obstructions to nominations. It also directed the state Director General of Police to ensure adequate protection for candidates seeking it, sufficient police deployment and CCTV coverage at nomination centres. The court further asked the authorities to take steps to safeguard the fairness of the election process.

The court's intervention followed allegations that candidates had been prevented from participating in the electoral process in several locations. The YSRCP also raised concerns about nomination papers allegedly being torn or candidates being pressured to withdraw.

The Election Commission subsequently halted the election process across all 100 urban local bodies in the state following the court's directions. The developments have placed the spotlight on the responsibility of election authorities and the police administration to ensure that candidates can participate without fear or coercion.