With Cyclone Arnab threatening Andhra Pradesh with winds of up to 140 kmph and extreme rainfall, the AP State Election Commission must think urgently about postponing local body elections in affected areas where campaigning and safe voter participation are impossible. No election is worth risking human lives. Public safety must take absolute priority. Protect voters, candidates, and polling personnel. Ensure free, fair, and orderly elections without exposing anyone to avoidable danger. Act now, before lives are put at risk!

Evidence of the TDP’s subversion of electoral rules and its assault on democracy in Andhra Pradesh. In Kanigiri Municipality, a nomination withdrawal was reportedly accepted on October 19, despite the scheduled withdrawal dates being October 20 and 21. The accompanying audio evidence raises serious concerns amid allegations of impersonation, a purported forged signature, and a possible attempt to secure an unopposed victory for the TDP candidate. We have filed a formal complaint demanding a thorough investigation and accountability. This is precisely the kind of electoral malpractice that fuels democratic backsliding. Democracy cannot survive when those in power are suspected of bending the rules for political gain. The people of Andhra Pradesh deserve free, fair, and transparent elections. The authorities must act, and the truth must prevail. Satyameva Jayate!

Better late than never! I appreciate @ysjagan former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy’s recent expression of regret - an Ātma-bodhaḥ (आत्मबोधः) — a moment of introspection and political awakening to the threat the Modi regime poses to democracy, the Constitution and the people. Democracy must never be sacrificed at the altar of political power, personal interest or partisan convenience. This is precisely the battle @RahulGandhi Ji and @INCIndia have consistently waged — to defend the Constitution, challenge authoritarian tendencies, protect democratic institutions and ensure that the voice of the people prevails over the arrogance of power. A genuine change of heart, translated into principled action, can make a meaningful difference. May this realisation mark a step towards protecting our democracy and restoring the primacy of constitutional values.

The brutal attacks on opposition candidates in Andhra Pradesh, the assault on MP Shri P. V. Midhun Reddy, arson and the forcible tearing of nomination papers are utterly condemnable. Such brazen intimidation strikes at the very foundations of our democracy. The police and election authorities cannot remain mute spectators while candidates are denied their democratic right to contest. The State Election Commission must act immediately, ensure impartial investigations, hold the guilty accountable and deploy Central forces to guarantee free and fair elections. No government can silence democracy through fear, violence or abuse of power. The people’s mandate must prevail, not political muscle power.@INCIndia @INC_Andhra #savedemocracyinAP

It was truly heartwarming to receive the Honourable President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, @realyssharmila Smt. Y. S. Sharmila Reddy garu, who personally visited me in Bengaluru with her son to invite me and my family to her daughter’s wedding. Such thoughtful gestures of affection and warmth touch the heart and remind us of the bonds that transcend public life and political responsibilities. I am deeply grateful for her graciousness and look forward to sharing this special family occasion with my family, conveying my heartfelt blessings and best wishes to the young couple for a lifetime of love and happiness.

The Andhra Pradesh Police’s high-handed action, at Chandrababu Naidu’s behest, exposes his government’s intolerance of democratic dissent. While we were on our way to Lenin Circle in Vijayawada to join our INDIA Bloc colleagues in a peaceful protest, the police cordoned off our vehicle, entered it and forcibly took us to Bhavanipuram Police Station. Our party workers and @INDIA_Block1 leaders joined us in solidarity, showing that intimidation cannot divide or weaken us. What is Chandrababu Naidu afraid of—a peaceful protest, the Congress, the INDIA Bloc, or the people’s awakening voice? A government must face criticism, not suppress it through the police. The right to protest is guaranteed by our Constitution, and no Chief Minister has the right to criminalise democratic dissent. By appearing to subordinate Andhra Pradesh’s political interests to the RSS and the Modi–Shah leadership, Chandrababu Naidu risks compromising the state’s dignity, autonomy and self-respect. He has literally become a puppet of the RSS and Modi–Shah. Andhra Pradesh belongs to its people—not to any political master in Delhi. Its dignity, voice and democratic rights cannot be sacrificed for political convenience. Let there be no doubt about our resolve. Barricades, detention and intimidation will not stop us. Every attempt to suppress dissent will strengthen our determination to defend the Constitution and stand with the people. History teaches us that power is temporary, but the people’s yearning for freedom, dignity and justice endures. You may block our roads and detain our leaders, but you cannot stop our movement or silence the conscience of a nation. We stand united. We stand fearless. We stand for democracy. The people’s voice will prevail! Our leader @RahulGandhi 's path of resistance and his spirit will guide us through all our struggles.

A round-table meeting of INDIA Bloc parties, including the CPM, CPI and CPI(ML), was held today at Andhra Ratna Bhavan under the chairpersonship of Smt. @realyssharmila Y. S. Sharmila Reddy, President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). The meeting deliberated on the resolutions and programmes of resistance adopted by INDIA Bloc leaders in New Delhi on October 1, reaffirming the collective resolve to safeguard democracy and protect every citizen’s right to vote. Smt. Sharmila Reddy was appreciated for taking the initiative to bring like-minded political parties together on a common platform. Leaders also acknowledged Shri @RahulGandhi 's efforts in bringing the issue of “Vote Chori” to the centre of national debate and leading the campaign to demand accountability and transparency in the electoral process. The meeting demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising serious concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the alleged deletion of voters’ names and changes to Form 6. The INDIA Bloc in Andhra Pradesh has resolved to intensify its democratic resistance across the state until accountability is ensured and its demand for the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar is addressed.

Attended the special meeting convened today at Indira Bhavan, New Delhi, by AICC President Shri @kharge Ji, along with PCC Presidents, General Secretaries and State In-charges, in the presence of Shri @RahulGandhi Ji, Smt. @priyankagandhi Ji and Shri @kcvenugopalmp Ji. The meeting outlined a coordinated, nationwide, two-month campaign—Jan Andolan: “Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao.” We discussed the movement’s modalities, methodology and phased programme, which will continue across the country for the next two months. Our struggle will remain peaceful, constitutional and determined. We will remain steadfast in seeking accountability from the Election Commission and demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, while continuing our efforts to safeguard the sanctity of the vote. Vote Bachao. Desh Bachao. Loktantra Bachao.f

Participated in the @INC_Andhra Executive Committee meeting, chaired by APCC President Smt. Y. S. @realyssharmila garu, held today at Andhra Ratna Bhavan, Vijayawada. This was my second visit to Andhra Pradesh since taking charge as @AICCINC In-charge of the state. The detailed deliberations with the state leadership and senior functionaries have strengthened my confidence that, with unity, collective leadership and a renewed organisational focus, we can give the Congress a strong and meaningful presence in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh. The meeting reaffirmed the need to take our message to every section of society, particularly through @RahulGandhi ji’s vision of social justice and inclusion, the message of Bharat Jodo, and the legacy of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy garu’s welfare-oriented politics. I firmly believe that by combining these values with a disciplined and united organisation, we can build a powerful political alternative in Andhra Pradesh. AICC Secretaries Shri @GaneshYadavINC and Dr. @DrPalakVermaINC along with Working Presidents Shri @Seelam53 and Shri @MastanValiINC , also participated in the AEC meeting . Later, I participated in the protest rally and press briefing organised by APCC against irregularities in the electoral process, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar for vote theft.

Attended the CWC meeting at Indira Bhawan, New Delhi, under the leadership of Shri @kharge ji, in the presence of Smt. @SoniaGandhi_FC ji, Shri @RahulGandhi ji, Smt. @priyankagandhi ji and Shri @kcvenugopalmp ji. Joined senior colleagues from Karnataka — former CM Shri @Siddaramaiah ji, CM Shri @DKShivakumar ji and Shri @NasirHussainINC ji; from Kerala — CM Shri @vdsatheesan ji, Shri @chennithala ji and Dr @ShashiTharoor ji; and from Andhra Pradesh — Shri @drnraghuveera ji, Shri @KRajuINC ji and Shri @sirivellaprasad ji. The CWC deliberated on SIR and the integrity of our electoral process, and congratulated Rahul Gandhi ji for making “Vote Chori” a national democratic issue. Rahul Gandhi ji’s message was clear and electrifying: “Resist. Bring the nation into a mood of resistance. We win when we resist.” Mahatma Gandhi showed us that resistance is not a moment—it is a sustained movement. Today, Rahul Gandhi ji carries that spirit forward. The CWC has resolved that every Congressman must stand with him and walk with him in this fight. Every genuine voter must be protected. Every genuine vote must count. Every electoral process must be transparent. Resistance works. And the Congress will resist.

A powerful show of courage and determination by Andhra Pradesh Congress leaders and workers in Vijayawada, protesting against “Vote Chori” and demanding action against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls across the country. Their fearless spirit and commitment deserve applause. Kudos to our cadres! This is the beginning of a determined fight for every vote, every citizen and the protection of our democracy—and against anti-people policies of both centre and state . @realyssharmila