YSRCP moves HC, seeks extension of nomination deadline

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh high court on Friday adjourned to Monday a petition filed by YSRCP seeking directions to State Election Commission (SEC) to extend the deadline for filing nominations for MPTC and ZPTC elections by 48 hours in places where its candidates allegedly faced obstruction in submitting papers.YSRCP state general secretary Lella Appi Reddy moved the high court with a lunch motion petition for urgent hearing, seeking directions to SEC to extend the nomination deadline in affected constituencies and ensure protection to candidates in accordance with Supreme Court directions.Appearing for the petitioner, senior counsel S Sriram submitted that YSRCP candidates were being prevented from filing nominations in several places. He told the court that photographs and videos had been placed on record to substantiate the allegations and argued that candidates were being forced to approach courts merely to submit nomination papers.The counsel further alleged that false cases were being registered against YSRCP candidates and that efforts were being made to compel them to withdraw nominations. He contended that the situation would not have arisen had SEC taken timely action and sought a 48-hour extension of the nomination process wherever candidates were obstructed.Advocate general Dammalapati Srinivas, appearing for the state govt, opposed the plea, contending that the allegations were unfounded. He submitted that over 12,500 nominations had been filed by YSRCP candidates in the MPTC elections and argued that isolated incidents could not be used to portray a statewide problem. He also submitted that police protection was being provided to candidates facing difficulties in filing nominations in line with the directions of Supreme Court.The counsel appearing for SEC submitted that the commission had issued circulars directing authorities to personally escort candidates to nomination centres if they reported obstruction in filing papers. Considering the submissions from all sides, Justice Gandham Sunitha deferred further consideration of the matter to Monday.In another batch of petitions filed challenging the rejection of nominations, the high court asked the petitioners to approach the election tribunal.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Vijayawada | Silver Rate in Vijayawada | Bank Holidays in Vijayawada | Public Holidays in Vijayawada | Petrol Price in Vijayawada | Diesel Price in Vijayawada | CNG Price in Vijayawada | LPG Price in VijayawadaStay updated with the latest Vijayawada news. Download the TOI App.