Tensions rise amid TDP-YSRCP showdown in AP local polls

Amaravati: The nomination process for the urban local body (ULB) elections, which opened amid sporadic violence on Friday, deteriorated on Saturday with intensified violence; resulting in the police firing six rounds in the air at Pulivendula, clashes across Kadapa district, fresh unrest in Rayachoti, and allegations of nomination papers being torn and candidates being prevented from filing their papers.

The incidents reflect the no-holds-barred confrontation between TDP and YSRCP, turning the nomination phase into a test of election security and the administration’s neutrality.

Pulivendula, the home constituency of YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, witnessed stone-pelting between the two parties’ cadres near the municipal nomination centre. Police resorted to a lathi-charge, burst tear gas shells and opened six rounds of firing in the air to disperse the groups.

Kadapa MP Y S Avinash Reddy alleged that the police had initially assured YSRCP candidates they could file nominations after 1 p.m., but turned them away when they arrived. Police said TDP candidates were already inside and asked the YSRCP group to wait. After tensions escalated, the district SP directed Avinash Reddy to leave, warning that he would be arrested if he refused.

The MP subsequently asked his supporters to disperse. The son of a former YSRCP deputy mayor was also reportedly stabbed, with the party alleging an attempted attack by TDP workers. Violence spread to Rajampet, where TDP activists allegedly attacked the residence of YSRCP MLA Akepati Amarnath Reddy, damaging windowpanes, a car, and furniture.

Clashes followed near the municipal office, where YSRCP alleged that TDP workers blocked candidates, tore nomination papers, and assaulted chairperson candidate Nadigadda Reshma and her father as they left after filing her nomination.

Police took YSRCP district president Ravindranath Reddy and Kadapa constituency in-charge Amjad Basha into custody amid the unrest. Several opposition leaders in sensitive areas were also served notices or placed under house arrest.

Rayachoti remained tense following Friday’s arson, in which five vehicles were gutted and 15 cars damaged.

‘Outsiders’ detained

On Saturday, police detained YSRCP supporters, people from Karnataka and alleged bouncers after a confrontation near a lodge on Madanapalle Road. Police reportedly seized weapons. In a separate development, four men described as belonging to a Punjab-based gang, were arrested with a revolver, a pistol, and 30 rounds of ammunition. They reportedly claimed they had come to provide security for YSRCP chairperson candidate Sharif.

Police imposed restrictions on rallies and protests, deployed additional personnel and established a three-ring security arrangement.

In Tadipatri, police deployed heavy forces, anti-riot vehicles, while separate nomination rooms were arranged for the two parties. At Tirupati, YSRCP MP Gurumoorthy alleged that TDP leaders obstructed him and snatched nomination papers while he was accompanying the mayoral candidate.

In Darsi, Prakasam district, rival groups allegedly snatched and tore each other’s nomination papers before the police intervened. Meanwhile, the police registered three cases over Friday’s violence in Punganur, naming 70 people, including YSRCP MP Peddireddi Mithun Reddy, as accused. The cases stemmed from complaints by a TDP leader and a police officer, among others.

The YSRCP moved the Andhra Pradesh High Court through a house motion petition, challenging orders issued by a single-judge bench on Friday concerning CCTV cameras and webcasting at election-related locations. Citing incidents in Tirupati, Kadapa and Pulivendula, the party sought security for its candidates and deployment of central paramilitary forces. The petition raised concerns over police conduct and alleged obstruction of nominations.

The police also served notices to YSRCP leaders in sensitive areas, with former Macherla MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy placed under house arrest and former Gurajala MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy confined to his residence in Narasaraopet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

K Varaprasada Rao

K Varaprasada Rao[email protected]

K Varaprasada Rao is a Senior Reporter with The Hans India, covering the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, Chief Minister's Office (CMO), State Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council and political affairs. With over 20 years of experience in journalism in Andhra Pradesh, he has extensively reported on governance, public policy, politics, and socio-economic issues that shape the state's development and influence the country's evolving landscape. He holds a postgraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His reporting focuses on finance, industries, irrigation, agriculture, infrastructure, investment, public administration, and political developments, with a particular interest in analysing their long-term economic and social impact.

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