YSRCP urges poll panel to ensure timely issuance of key documents ahead local polls

The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) has formally written to the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner, with a copy dispatched to the Chief Election Commissioner of India in New Delhi, expressing grave concerns over deliberate administrative delays in issuing crucial candidate documents for the upcoming local body elections.

In a letter submitted by YSRCP State general secretary and MLC Lella Appi Reddy, the party highlighted serious complaints regarding delays in obtaining Caste/Community certificates and No-Dues/No-Objection Certificates (NOCs). These certificates are mandatory for candidates intending to contest seats in Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Nagar Panchayats, and Gram Panchayats across Andhra Pradesh.

The YSRCP raised serious apprehension over prospective opposition candidates facing unnecessary administrative delays at the field level. The party warned that failing to produce prescribed supporting documents correctly and on time can lead to the rejection of nominations, directly hurting a candidate’s right to participate in the electoral process.

Highlighting the State Election Commission’s own handbooks that emphasise strict adherence to nomination prerequisites, the YSRCP urged the authority to ensure no candidate is denied their statutory right to contest due to bureaucratic inaction or deliberate delay.

The YSRCP urged the SEC to issue clear and immediate instructions to District Election Authorities, District Collectors, Revenue Authorities, Municipal Commissioners, Panchayat Authorities, and competent field officials in this regard. It requested that applications for Caste/Community certificates and No-Dues/NOC certificates be processed promptly, transparently, and strictly in accordance with law without any discrimination or avoidable delay.

Demanding immediate intervention, Mr. Appi Reddy emphasised that certificates should be issued within the stipulated timeframe so that every eligible candidate’s right to participate in a uniform, transparent, and time-bound election process across the State is protected.