The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has announced it will boycott the upcoming MLC elections in the Krishna-Guntur and Ubhayagodavari districts, claiming that police harassment has created an unsafe environment for its members and voters.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan, who leads the current government, voiced disappointment over recent police actions in the state. He also issued a warning to the Home Minister, despite being aligned with the current political party, questioning the government’s failure to apprehend actual criminals. According to YSRCP leaders, police have issued 41A notices intended for non-custodial questioning to YSRCP social media supporters, followed by arrests without clear cause. The party alleges that even displaying the YSRCP flag or showing support online has led to threats of legal action.
In response, YSRCP plans to file a habeas corpus petition to address what it calls unlawful detentions. Party officials have criticized the government for focusing on silencing opposition rather than upholding law and order, warning that this approach could backfire in the future. They argue that the administration’s police force has become a tool for harassing political activists.
“We want to remind the authorities that political circumstances can change,” warned Deputy CM Pawan, suggesting that the current police actions may have future repercussions.
YSRCP’s decision to boycott the elections highlights serious concerns about fairness and security in the voting process, raising questions about the impartiality of law enforcement in the state.
