CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh state secretary V Srinivasa Rao stated that despite numerous hurdles, intimidation and electoral irregularities, the party had secured two corporator seats — one each in the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Municipal Corporations — four municipal council seats, one ZPTC seat and 15 MPTC seats in the urban and rural local body elections.

Addressing the media in Vijayawada on November 10, Srinivasa Rao said that despite severe restrictions, including polling booth captures, rigging, the forcible removal of candidates and their agents from polling stations, and other forms of intimidation, people had extended their support to the CPI(M).

He said the party had improved its electoral performance compared to the 2021 elections. While the CPI(M) had secured 7.4 per cent of the total votes in the constituencies it contested in 2021, its vote share had increased to 8.2 per cent this time. This reflected the support and confidence the party workers had earned among the people, he said. He thanked all those who voted for the party despite the pressure and intimidation.

The CPI(M) State Secretariat also met to review the election results and the developments surrounding the polls. B V Raghavulu, Polit Bureau member of the CPI(M), attended the meeting.

Srinivasa Rao demanded that the Election Commission take firm measures to ensure that the forthcoming Panchayat elections and elections to the 23 municipalities are conducted freely, fairly and without coercion.

He alleged that CPI(M) workers were facing pressure from two sides: attacks by supporters of the ruling Telugu Desam-led alliance and harassment and questioning by the police. "We are not an alternative to the TDP alliance. Yet, the ruling party appears frightened even by our participation in the elections. If we are not a direct contender for power, why are our candidates and workers facing such repression from the police and attacks from ruling party supporters? They have used a 'Brahmastra', a devastating weapon, against a sparrow. This is nothing but shameless political intimidation," he remarked.

People's Verdict Cannot Be Claimed
as an Endorsement of TDP Rule

Reacting to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's statement that the ruling alliance's victory reflected public support for its governance, Srinivasa Rao described it as an exercise in self-deception.

He pointed out that the media had extensively reported incidents of polling booth capture, rigging and physical attacks on opposition candidates and their supporters. He alleged that the police had sided with the ruling party and arrested CPI(M) candidates and supporters under the pretext of maintaining law and order, while remaining silent spectators when ruling party supporters indulged in violence and intimidation.

"It is not correct to ignore these incidents and claim that the results represent the people's endorsement of the government's performance," he said.

He recalled that a similar situation had prevailed during the YSR Congress Party's rule in 2021. Although the parties in power had changed, the political claims and methods remained largely the same. He questioned what had happened to the YSRCP's earlier slogan, "Why not 175?", and criticised the TDP for now claiming a 100 per cent strike rate when, according to its own figures, its success rate was only 82 per cent.

Srinivasa Rao alleged that TDP leadership had encouraged its MLAs to compete with one another in securing electoral victories by any means. This had fuelled violence, with ruling party leaders and supporters resorting to attacks and intimidation. He described the violence as the outcome of systematic and centrally encouraged provocation.

He warned that if the TDP continued to interpret these results as proof of its political strength and failed to learn from its mistakes, the people would deliver a fitting reply in the 2029 elections. Electoral irregularities could not continue indefinitely, and public anger against the government would eventually find expression, he said.

He further pointed out that the TDP's performance should not be equated with that of its alliance partners, the Jana Sena and the BJP. He also observed that the ruling alliance's vote share in rural areas had declined compared with the 2014 elections.

Without examining these realities, the TDP was attempting to create an illusion that everything was well and that the election results represented widespread public approval of its administration, he said.

Government Must Address Adivasi Grievances

Referring to the election results in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Srinivasa Rao said that Adivasis had extended their support to the CPI(M), its struggles and the movements it had led. The party would work to uphold the trust placed in it by the tribal people. Although the CPI(M) had contested only a limited number of seats, it would continue to stand firmly with the Adivasis and defend their interests.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining unity among Left parties and their supporters, irrespective of their electoral strength, and called for a common understanding and collective efforts to strengthen their struggles.

Srinivasa Rao cautioned against attempts to attribute the problems in Alluri Sitharama Raju district to religious conversions, describing the introduction of divisive religious politics as a dangerous approach. He said the government should instead address the genuine grievances of Adivasis.

He pointed out that the people were unhappy with the government's failure to take decisive steps to restore GO 3 and implement the 1/70 Act, its refusal to provide land titles, and its decision to hand over pumped-storage power projects and bauxite mines to corporate interests. These issues, he said, reflected the growing dissatisfaction among tribal communities.

He urged the government to address these concerns. Srinivasa Rao also criticised Chandrababu Naidu's claim that a new generation of leadership had emerged that would be sufficient to lead the party for the next 30 years. He questioned whether sidelining capable party leaders and promoting family heirs could genuinely be described as encouraging young leadership which may give a jolt in the future.

Earlier Investment Summits Failed to Generate Jobs; Government Promoting Corporate Tourism: CPI(M)

Srinivasa Rao has strongly criticised the state government for failing to generate employment despite attracting investments through successive partnership summits. He alleged that these summits had become platforms for promoting "corporate tourism" rather than creating jobs or strengthening the state's economy.

He shared the details of the discussions held at the CPI(M) state secretariat meeting on Monday. He expressed serious concern that not even 10 per cent of the investments promised at the Partnership Summits since 2016 had materialised and that less than 2 per cent of the projected employment opportunities had been created. According to the agreements signed so far, nearly 50 lakh jobs should have been generated, but the actual number of jobs created was negligible.

Citing the Reliance gas project in Konaseema, he pointed out that although 1 lakh jobs had been promised, fewer than 3,200 people had been employed. Similarly, at the Kia automobile plant, against the promise of 30,000 jobs, employment had not even reached 12,000.

He also highlighted the closure of spinning mills, dairies and sugar factories, which had pushed small-scale entrepreneurs into severe financial distress. Instead of addressing these broader economic concerns, the government continued to repeat its claims about the Kia plant, he criticised.

He further pointed out that the removal of 10,000 employees from the steel plant had adversely affected the livelihoods of nearly 1 lakh people. He demanded that the government organise a Labour Summit alongside its investment summits to address workers' problems and protect their rights.

Where are the promised 50 lakh jobs?

The CPI(M) leaders questioned the government's claims regarding investments and employment generation through Partnership Summits held between 2016 and 2025.

In 2016, the government signed 328 agreements, promising investments of ₹4.6 lakh crore and 10 lakh jobs. However, only around 3,200 jobs were reportedly created. The Kia plant, which was projected to provide 30,000 jobs, has also failed to meet that commitment, with employment remaining below 12,000.

In 2017, another 665 agreements were signed, involving promised investments of ₹10.54 lakh crore and the creation of 22.34 lakh jobs. However, most of these commitments have reportedly failed to materialise.

Similarly, for 2025, the government announced investment proposals worth ₹13.26 lakh crore and projected the creation of 16.31 lakh jobs. Critics questioned the implementation of these commitments, stating that even 10 per cent had not materialised.

Srinivasa Rao also questioned the credibility of companies entering into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the government. He alleged that some companies lacked the financial capacity to implement the proposed projects, while others were of doubtful credibility. He criticised the government for failing to conduct proper due diligence before signing the agreements.

Visakhapatnam facing a serious pollution threat

Srinivasa Rao expressed concern over the worsening pollution in Visakhapatnam. He alleged that the government was putting people's lives at risk by promoting data centre projects despite the city's already deteriorating environmental conditions.

He pointed out that rising temperatures and increasing pollution were making living conditions difficult, particularly for children, who were struggling to breathe. If the situation continued, Visakhapatnam could become an increasingly unsuitable place to live, he warned.

He also referred to pollution caused by the HPCL refinery, stating that it had further aggravated the city's environmental problems. He alleged that such projects were primarily benefiting business interests associated with the BJP rather than the general public.

Pointing out that similar concerns were being raised in states such as Kerala and Karnataka, he demanded the constitution of an expert committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the environmental impact of these projects.

Provide immediate relief to cyclone-affected people

Srinivasa Rao criticised the government for failing to provide relief to people affected by successive cyclones. He stated that damage assessments had not yet been completed and that affected families had not received compensation.

Although the government had announced the distribution of 10 kg of rice to affected families, even that assurance had not been fulfilled, he alleged.

He pointed out that coconut plantations, houses and agricultural crops had suffered extensive damage. However, the details of affected tenant farmers had not even been recorded. He demanded that the government immediately complete the damage assessment, identify all affected farmers and families, and ensure timely compensation and relief.

Failed to control prices, but raised the issue of
2016 demonetisation to divert public attention

Srinivasa Rao criticised Chandrababu Naidu for raising the issue of the 2016 demonetisation instead of addressing the government's failure to control rising prices.

He observed that ten years after demonetisation, the circulation of black money had not ended. Terrorism had not been eliminated either, while large amounts of unaccounted money continued to flow into the stock markets, he pointed out.

He further remarked that the benefits of the policies being pursued would ultimately accrue to American companies rather than ordinary people. Instead of resolving the existing economic problems, any further move to demonetise ₹500 currency notes would create additional difficulties for the public, he warned.

In conclusion, he called upon people, party cadre and party supporters to organise protests against the irregularities in the elections. 

CPI(M), CPI Accuse TDP Alliance of Poll Violence

Like the municipal elections, the rural local body (MPTC and ZPTC) elections in Andhra Pradesh were marred by violence, booth capturing, electoral malpractice and attacks on opposition workers. Polling on November 5 saw rigging and violence at several places, and petrol bombs were hurled at two locations, injuring two YSRCP workers.

The CPI(M) and the CPI accused the ruling TDP alliance of attacking their candidates and polling agents and driving them out of booths, with the help of the police. The two parties have announced statewide protests on November 11, under the banner of Democracy Protection Day, against large-scale electoral irregularities. According to the Election Commission, turnout was 67.24 per cent by 5 pm.

In Andukuru village of Palnadu district, ruling alliance workers allegedly rigged polling at Booths 43 and 44 after removing opposition agents. Similar charges emerged from Nakrekal mandal, where TDP workers allegedly drove out CPI(M) agents, switched off CCTV cameras and rigged polling at Booths 17, 18 and 19. Police reportedly detained the CPI(M) candidate.

In Eripalli village of YSR Kadapa district, ruling alliance supporters attacked YSRCP workers with petrol bombs. Jana Sena supporters were accused of bringing around 60 outsiders in five cars to cast bogus votes in Nanduluru; police reportedly took them into custody after residents intervened. Clashes were also reported in Kothapalli, Motu Nutanapalli, Gundlakunta and Nallapureddi villages, involving allegations of attacks with petrol bombs and sticks.

The YSRCP alleged rigging in 22 panchayats of Darsi mandal and intimidation of its polling agents. In Kurichedu, outsiders were allegedly brought in to influence voting. In Challa Vari Palem, hundreds protested over claims that ballot boxes were being replaced before reaching the strong room. Voter slips were reportedly found near Andukuru. Police also detained several opposition leaders in Anantapur district.

After reports of irregularities and violence, the State Election Commission ordered repolling on Friday, November 6, at five polling stations. These are Booth 8 in Marutla village (Kudair mandal, Anantapur district), Booths 46 and 47 in Chitrachedu village (Pedavaduguru mandal), Booth 2 in Ponnam village (Srikakulam district) and Booth 2 in Arulabanda village (Kosigi mandal, Kurnool district). Andhra Pradesh DGP Harish Kumar Gupta said in a press release that polling had been peaceful as usual.

Left Candidates and Supporters Targeted

In Kurnool Rural mandal, a CPI(M) MPTC candidate was allegedly assaulted by ruling party workers and police personnel. A Sub-Inspector reportedly dragged him out of the polling station, while the TDP candidate and others allegedly attacked him and his polling agent. CPI(M) activists intervened. CPI(M)-supporting voters were subjected to additional identity checks, while a former YSRCP MPP and her husband were allegedly placed under house arrest.

In Madala village of Palnadu district, the CPI(M) ZPTC candidate and a polling agent were allegedly assaulted and their identity cards seized. In Chejarla village, more than 50 TDP leaders reportedly forced CPI(M) agents out of a polling station. In Tekkali, police arrested a CPI(M) MPTC candidate and reportedly left him several kilometres away.

In Ammanabrolu village of Prakasam district, TDP workers allegedly attacked the houses of CPI(M) activists who supported an independent candidate. In Brahmamgari Matham mandal of Kadapa district, the mother of a CPI(M) ZPTC candidate was reportedly denied her vote after being told it had already been cast.

Democracy Protection Day

At a joint press conference in Vijayawada on November 6, CPI(M) state secretary V Srinivasa Rao asked what purpose elections serve when voters are denied meaningful participation. He alleged that the ruling coalition used booth capturing, intimidation, violence, threats, money and police cases to influence the outcome, and that those claiming a “100 per cent strike rate” should be ashamed. The irregularities, reported across nearly half the state, were unprecedented, he said. When Left candidates tried to resist the rigging, he alleged, police assaulted and detained them, including in Ulchala village of Kurnool district.

CPI state secretary G Eshwaraiah alleged that a “Red Book” regime, which amounted to goonda raj, was in place under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and that the ruling coalition had used its power to stop opposition and Left candidates from filing nominations.