Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday claimed that his party in alliance with BJP would win 120 to 130 Assembly and 20 to 22 Lok Sabha seats in Seemandhra, in spite of efforts by the YSR Congress Party to win over voters with money and liquor.
An internal assessment conducted by the party based on the trends during the polling on Wednesday, it was estimated that TDP could win majority seats in all districts of Seemandhra except Kadapa and Nellore. “The YSR Congress’ game plan to restrict the polling percentage by terrorising the electors, rival parties and polling officials did not work as voters turned out in huge numbers,” Mr. Naidu said.
It was the first time a political party had resorted to organised crimes during election, Mr. Naidu said, adding that such criminal and undemocratic practices were limited only to Pulivendula constituency in Kadapa district all these years. But, the YSR Congress Party had tried to spread such evil practices all over Seemandhra this time, the TDP chief alleged.
Spurious liquor supplied by YSRC to gullible voters had claimed five lives while the people refused to accept fake currency notes distributed by it in several villages, Mr. Naidu alleged.
“The YSR Congress ranks tried to create a panic situation across Seemandhra by attacking rival party activists and contestants, police, media and polling personnel with an intention to keep the voters away from polling stations,” he said. However, the electorate with improved awareness undid the YSRCP plans.
There was an undercurrent in favour of TDP-BJP combine and the prospects of the alliance would increase further if there was a positive wave. On being asked about the similar claims of YSR Congress, Mr. Naidu shot back: “Did its leader speak facts ever in life. His life is full of lies, irregularities, and evil practices”, the TDP chief said.
Alleging that the Election Commission authorities had functioned with bias against TDP, Mr. Naidu said it did not react on poll-malpractices even after being brought to its notice by TDP. “We have requested re-polling in 47 polling stations including 9 in Jammalamadugu and 7 in Mydukur”, Mr. Naidu stated.
On the party’s prospects in Telangana, Mr. Naidu said they had conducted a similar exercise there too but refused to divulge details stating that the time was not appropriate.
