Violence and intimidation mar Andhra Pradesh local body polls as opposition cries foul Videos from the run-up to the local body elections in Andhra Pradesh have raised questions about the conduct of the ruling NDA members and the state machinery. Why did the state machinery and the State Election Commission fail to provide a safe environment to candidates trying to file the nomination papers? In the scenes of the past few days, the former minister and YSRCP leader Vidadala Rajini can be seen being pushed to the ground at her residence by a police official; TDP cadres allegedly snatch and tear up opposition nomination papers; and women politicians dodge harassment and assaults as they run to MPDO offices to file nominations. The TDP has denied the allegations and accused the YSRCP of instigating violence at nomination centres. In at least two places, even JSP candidates alleged that TDP leaders obstructed them. The JSP, an NDA ally, has not issued any statement on the incidents. Read an overview of what transpired in Andhra Pradesh and how the Supreme Court had to intervene to ensure candidates could file nominations. @frontline_india frontline.thehindu.com/polit…