Arrangements for the local body elections in the AP are in a full swing. The AP government had come forward to hold elections after the Supreme Court ruling. Reluctantly agreeing to hold local elections, the government brought a twist to this. It seems that the YSRCP chief has asked to go for unanimous in as many Panchayats as possible. The government has announced development funds of Rs 5 Lakh to Rs 20 lakh, depending on the population of the unanimous Panchayats. Despite announcing the reward ahead of the elections, the YSRCP chief is now expected to make more than half of the local bodies unanimous.
It seems that the YSRCP government has come up with a big sketch behind the attempts to unify a small local body by spending Rs 50 lakh. In areas like Kadapa and Pulivendula, rivals are likely to be threatened not to field nominations. In Kadapa district, there is a high chance of unanimous Panchayat. Under no circumstances the local leaders would agree for unanimous elections in the remaining districts. Many people dream of becoming a sarpanch even if they had to sell their assets.
That is why every government which assumes power in the states will give funds if the Panchayats are unanimous. However, in the villages, the parties matter more and that is why they will not accept money and get ready to fight it in the elections. It is learnt that the YSRCP chief has asked the public representatives to make unanimous as many Panchayats as possible.
Government Advisor Sajjala Rama Krishna Reddy, in a media conference got himself exposed by saying that the government knows how to make the candidates fall in line if they file nominations. Sajjala recalled that there was a law which can disqualify a candidate even after winning elections if he resorts to the distribution of money and liquor in elections. Sajjala openly threatened that the sword would be hanging around their necks even if their opponents win the election.
CM Jaganmohan Reddy has repeatedly said that AP was implementing welfare schemes like nowhere else in the country. In January alone, Rs 6,000 Crore was deposited in the accounts of 50 lakh beneficiaries under Amma Vodi. As many as 30 lakh houses were distributed. Further, there are Navaratnas. If all these schemes are implemented, the YSRCP candidates should win the Panchayat elections very easily. But the situation seems to be different. There are criticisms that the money was squeezed from the middle class and benefits were given only a few in the name of Navaratnas.
Diesel and petrol prices are going up in AP like nowhere else in the country. The fares of RTC and electricity were increased imposing a burden on the common people. Toll gates will soon be visible to the people on state highways. The opposition leaders are criticizing that the ruling party leaders were looking to achieve good results only by threatening in the Panchayat elections.
