Nandyal bye-election: Tension as TDP and YSRCP candidates attempt to disqualify each other

There was political tension in Andhra's Nandyal constituency on Monday, as candidates from the TDP and YSRCP got their nominations for the upcoming bye-election scrutinised by returning officer Prasanna Venkatesh.

However, along with filing their nominations, both the parties also lodged complaints, claiming that their rival candidate was indulging in malpractice.

The Times of India reported that it all started with TDP candidate Bhuma Brahmananda Reddy objecting to nomination papers submitted by YSRCP candidate Silpa Mohan Reddy, claiming that it included an affidavit by a notary, whose licence had expired in December 2013. 

In response, the YSRCP candidate pointed out that Brahmananda Reddy's IT returns were not attached to the nomination papers, and alleged that the documents contained false information on his source of income, the TOI report adds.

After consulting with officials of the Election Commission, the returning officer rejected both the petitions, and declared both the nominations valid. 

30 nominations were filed, out of which six were rejected, which included one dummy candidate each, from the Bhuma and Silpa families, reports add.

Nandyal, a constituency in the state's Rayalaseema area, has been witnessing a political void ever since the death of its sitting MLA Bhuma Nagi Reddy from a heart attack on March 12.

The Election Commission has announced that the election will be held on August 23.

The last date of nomination was August 5, while the last date of withdrawal of candidates is August 9.

The counting of votes will be held on August 28.

The Election Commission said that electronic voting machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs) will be used in the bye-elections in all the polling stations.

IANS inputs