Tensions escalated in Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, during the nomination process for local body elections after police allegedly resorted to a lathi-charge and used tear gas against YSRCP councillors who arrived to file their nominations. There were also reports of police firing in the air. YSRCP leader and MP YS Avinash Reddy alleged that several party workers were injured in the incident.
According to Avinash Reddy, people allegedly linked to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) arrived near the nomination centre carrying sticks, iron rods, hunting sickles and petrol. He claimed that they attempted to attack YSRCP candidates, while the police failed to stop them and instead used force against YSRCP leaders and workers.
There were also allegations that media personnel covering the incident were attacked. Tensions increased further after police reportedly stopped MP YS Avinash Reddy and several other YSRCP leaders from proceeding towards the area.
YSRCP MP Alleges Obstacles to Nomination Filing
Avinash Reddy alleged that the police had instructed YSRCP representatives to arrive at the nomination centre at 1:30 pm to submit their nomination papers. However, after they reached the location, they were reportedly asked to return the following day.
Questioning the decision, the YSRCP MP asked why candidates were being prevented from exercising their right to file nominations in the local body elections.
He also alleged that one party worker sustained a bullet injury to his leg during the firing, another suffered a serious ear injury, and a third worker fractured a finger. The circumstances surrounding the reported injuries and firing require independent verification.
YSRCP Accuses Coalition Government of Election Irregularities
The YSRCP leader accused the ruling coalition government of using the police to interfere with the election process. He argued that the developments in Pulivendula raised concerns about whether local body elections could be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
YSRCP leaders staged a protest against the alleged police action and demanded intervention by the State Election Commission. They called for steps to ensure that candidates could file their nominations without intimidation or obstruction.
The incident in Pulivendula has intensified political tensions in Andhra Pradesh amid allegations of violence and irregularities during the local body election nomination process. Further clarification from the police and election authorities would be necessary to establish the sequence of events and verify the allegations made by the YSRCP.
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