Political tensions have increased in Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, ahead of the local body elections, following allegations of attacks on the houses of YSRCP candidates. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of candidates and the freedom to campaign during the election process.
According to reports, the houses of Niranjan Reddy and Anjanappa, who filed nominations for municipal councilor posts, were allegedly targeted by TDP supporters. Beer bottles were reportedly thrown at Niranjan Reddy’s house, and a lorry parked outside the residence was set on fire. A scooter near Anjanappa’s house was also allegedly burned.
YSRCP leaders have accused TDP workers of intimidating candidates and preventing them from campaigning freely.
YS Avinash Reddy Visits Alleged Attack Sites in Pulivendula
Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy visited the areas where the alleged attacks took place in Pulivendula. He criticised the TDP cadre and the police, alleging that they had been acting arbitrarily over the past week.
Avinash Reddy claimed that incidents involving vehicle damage, fires at shops and alleged firing had created fear among local residents. He accused the ruling TDP of resorting to intimidation because of concerns about its electoral prospects.
He also alleged that YSRCP leaders were being arrested ahead of the MPTC and ZPTC elections to prevent them from filing nominations and participating in the electoral process.
Referring to an earlier firing incident, the Kadapa MP alleged that cases had been registered against his party workers unfairly and that arrests were now being carried out. He questioned whether an election victory achieved through alleged intimidation could be considered democratic.
Attack Alleged on Kadapa Mayor Candidate Bandi Deepti Reddy’s House
Separately, an alleged attack was reported at the residence of Bandi Deepti Reddy, the YSRCP candidate for Kadapa mayor. The incident reportedly took place around midnight on Monday.
According to reports, unidentified persons who arrived in a vehicle allegedly attacked the house with machetes and beer bottles, damaging the windows.
The incident has raised further political concerns because Deepti Reddy had filed her nomination, which was accepted, making her candidature a significant factor in the mayoral contest.
YSRCP circles have alleged that pressure is being exerted on her to withdraw from the election. However, these allegations require independent verification.
Local Body Elections Raise Concerns Over Candidate Safety
The alleged attacks in Pulivendula and Kadapa have intensified the political debate in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the local body elections. YSRCP leaders have raised concerns about candidate safety, alleged political violence and the reported use of arrests to restrict opposition participation.
Pulivendula has also witnessed political disputes over issues including medical college seats and alleged obstacles to development activities. The latest incidents have added to tensions between the ruling alliance and the opposition YSRCP.
Opposition leaders and local residents are calling for effective security measures to ensure that candidates can campaign without fear or intimidation.
The responsibility now rests with the election authorities, police and district administration to investigate the reported incidents, take appropriate action based on the evidence and ensure a peaceful and fair election process.
Note: The allegations described in this report have not been independently verified. Any responsibility for the incidents should be established through an impartial investigation.
