The nomination process for the Andhra Pradesh local body elections has reportedly witnessed tension in several parts of the state. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has alleged that Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers and ruling coalition supporters are obstructing opposition candidates from filing their nominations through alleged attacks, intimidation and vandalism.
Incidents have been reported from Mantralayam, P.C. Palli, Tuni, Punganur and Srikalahasti. According to YSRCP leaders, candidates were allegedly prevented from submitting nomination papers, documents were torn up, vehicles were damaged and a two-wheeler was set on fire. These allegations have raised concerns about candidate safety and the conduct of the local body election process.
Physical Attack Reported at Mantralayam MPDO Office
Tension reportedly prevailed near the Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) office in Mantralayam after YSRCP mandal president Viswanath Reddy was allegedly attacked by TDP workers.
The incident has raised concerns among opposition leaders and candidates who visited the office to file their nominations. The alleged attack has also triggered questions about security arrangements at nomination centres during the Andhra Pradesh local body elections.
YSRCP Candidates’ Nomination Papers Allegedly Torn in P.C. Palli
In P.C. Palli mandal of the Kanigiri constituency, MPTC candidates Polu Varalakshmi of Pedda Irlapadu and Madathala Sai Kumar of Chintagumpalli allegedly faced obstruction while attempting to submit their nomination papers.
YSRCP sources alleged that coalition leaders and workers surrounded the candidates, forcibly took their nomination documents and tore them up. Kanigiri YSRCP in-charge Dr Daddala Narayana Yadav strongly condemned the incident and criticised the alleged attempts to prevent opposition candidates from contesting the elections.
Tension in Tuni and Alleged Harassment of Women Candidates in Punganur
In Tuni, efforts to obstruct YSRCP candidates from filing nominations reportedly led to tension. Former minister Dadisetty Raja and party workers intervened to resist the alleged obstruction.
In Punganur, women candidates who had arrived to submit their nomination papers were allegedly confronted by a group of people. According to YSRCP accounts, their documents were snatched and torn in public, raising concerns about the safety and treatment of women candidates during the election process.
Vehicles Damaged and Two-Wheeler Set on Fire in Srikalahasti
Another incident was reported near the MPDO office in Srikalahasti, where vehicles belonging to YSRCP candidates were allegedly vandalised. A two-wheeler was also reportedly set on fire.
YSRCP leaders further alleged that candidates were openly threatened with consequences if they attempted to file their nominations. The incidents have prompted criticism of the police response and demands for stronger security at election-related offices.
YSRCP Calls for Action to Protect Democratic Rights
The reported incidents have intensified the political debate over the conduct of local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. YSRCP leaders have alleged that intimidation, physical attacks and the destruction of nomination papers are being used to prevent opposition candidates from entering the electoral contest.
In a democratic election, candidates should be able to file nominations without fear or interference. Political parties and candidates have the right to participate in the electoral process in accordance with the law.
Election officials and the police are being urged to strengthen security at nomination centres, investigate the reported incidents and take appropriate legal action against anyone found responsibl
