In what could be said a shocking blow to the ruling YSRCP is that the AP's local body polls have been deferred to six weeks. Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar, the election commissioner, proclaimed the deferment of the elections due to the rapid spread of pandemic disease Coronavirus.
Previously, ZPTC, MPTC, Municipal and Gram Panchayat polls were scheduled in the second half of March.
Though the election commissioner cited the reason that the Coronavirus is held responsible for the postponement of elections, the root cause is said to be the rowdyism of YSRCP goons in many areas. There was a murder attempt against TDP leaders Bonda Uma and Buddha Venkanna. In several areas, Janasena and TDP contestants were threatened to get their nominations withdrawn. Most of the opposition leaders were beaten black and blue by the YSRCP goondas.
Since the situation turned too chaotic, the election commission, inevitably, had to announce the postponement of elections.
Meanwhile, the EC suspended the CI who held duties at Macharly where Bonda and Buddha were attacked. Guntur and Chittoor collectors and SPs were removed from their duties while Tirupati, Macharla and Punganooru violence is under a huge scanner of EC. Likely, a new schedule will be released in violence hit areas.
However, the nomination process should also have been cancelled by the EC which actually didn't happen. Wish that the EC should look into the seriousness on the issue and should release the new schedule that includes the process of nominations as well.
Whatsoever, EC's decision turned a rude shocker to the ruling YSRCP.