Tensions continued for the second consecutive day during the nomination process for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has alleged that Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers targeted its candidates, leaders and women party members in several areas. Incidents involving alleged attacks, obstruction of candidates and tearing of nomination papers were reported from Tirupati, Punganur, Kadapa, Rayachoti and Kamalapuram.
The YSRCP accused the ruling party’s supporters of preventing opposition candidates from filing their nominations. The party also criticised the police response and called for steps to ensure free and fair elections.
Tirupati: YSRCP Alleges Attacks on Women Candidates
In Tirupati, YSRCP alleged that Uma Yadav, its candidate for the third ward, was attacked by TDP workers. Her nomination papers were reportedly torn, and she was forced to leave the premises.
In another incident, YSRCP candidates Mavitha and Pavani, who had gone to file nominations for the 12th ward under the MR Palli area, were allegedly attacked. According to YSRCP members, the women were assaulted and suffered injuries.
The party also alleged that MP Gurumoorthy, who had accompanied the nomination process as a proposer for Tirupati YSRCP mayoral candidate Vasu Yadav, was stopped by police near the nomination centre. YSRCP leaders claimed that TDP workers snatched and tore the documents he presented.
The party questioned the authorities’ response, alleging that the incidents took place in the presence of the police.
Punganur: Nomination Papers Allegedly Snatched
In Punganur, YSRCP alleged that nomination papers belonging to its ninth-ward candidate S. M. Niyaz and his wife were snatched by TDP workers when they arrived to file their nominations.
Niyaz reportedly staged a sit-in protest outside the nomination centre following the incident.
Separately, allegations emerged that TDP workers attempted to attack the residence of Rajampet MLA Akepati Amarnath Reddy. These incidents have added to political tensions surrounding the local body election process.
Kadapa: YSRCP Alleges Threats Near Nomination Centres
In Kadapa, YSRCP leaders alleged that TDP workers carrying knives, sticks and stones chased party members near a nomination centre close to Gandhi Nagar School.
The party claimed that TDP supporters from other areas had gathered in large numbers to prevent YSRCP candidates from filing their nominations.
Another alleged incident occurred near Kotireddy College, where YSRCP candidate Tyagaraju was reportedly attacked and his nomination papers were torn.
YSRCP also alleged that the mother of Gunti Nagendra, president of the party’s youth wing in Kadapa’s 29th division, was prevented from filing her nomination. Party leaders accused their opponents of targeting women candidates and obstructing their participation in the electoral process.
Rayachoti: YSRCP Candidate’s Car Damaged
In Rayachoti, Annamayya district, an alleged attack attempt was reported against YSRCP municipal chairperson candidate Jinna Sharif near a restaurant on Madanapalle Road.
According to reports, his car was damaged during the incident. Police subsequently took him to Sambepalli Police Station, where a large number of TDP workers reportedly gathered.
He was later allegedly moved from Sambepalli to Kalakada and then to Gurramkonda.
YSRCP also claimed that TDP workers had gathered near the ring road to prevent former MLA Srikanth Reddy from entering the town.
Kamalapuram: Tensions Over Police Action Against YSRCP Leader
In Kamalapuram Nagar Panchayat limits in YSR district, police reportedly attempted to take YSRCP constituency in-charge Naren Reddy into custody.
According to the party, police sought to move him from the party office citing a possible threat from TDP supporters. Naren Reddy reportedly resisted the move.
YSRCP leaders questioned why police were attempting to detain their leader while, according to their allegations, groups of TDP workers had gathered in the area. They demanded equal treatment and appropriate action to prevent election-related violence.
YSRCP Seeks Action to Ensure Free and Fair Elections
The YSRCP has expressed serious concern over the alleged incidents across Andhra Pradesh during the local body election nomination process.
Party leaders said that preventing candidates from filing nominations, damaging nomination papers and allegedly attacking women candidates undermine democratic participation. They also claimed that hundreds of complaints had already been submitted but that adequate action had not been taken.
The party has urged election officials and police authorities to investigate the complaints, provide security to candidates and ensure that nominations are accepted without intimidation.
With tensions continuing in several areas, the response of the police and election authorities is likely to remain a key issue during the ongoing nomination process.
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