ULB poll nominations begin amid violence

Amaravati: Violence erupted at several places in the state on Friday, opening day of nominations for urban local body (ULB) elections, triggering a nasty political showdown between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Punganur and Rayachoti witnessed serious clashes, arson, and vehicular attacks, while incidents of confrontation were reported also in Dharmavaram, Gutty and Allagadda.

The State Election Commission (SEC) has since stepped up its focus on law and order as candidates began filing nominations at more than 5,500 centres for 3,942 posts, including those of ward member, municipal chairperson and mayor.

Both parties lodged complaints with State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha, accusing each other of intimidation and disrupting the nomination process.

The TDP alleged that YSRCP leaders brought large convoys and hundreds of supporters to the nomination centres in violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The YSRCP accused TDP and alliance partners’ workers of attacking its cadre and obstructing candidates.

SEC official Rajakumari, an IG-rank officer, is coordinating with district Superintendents of Police (SPs). Rules restrict those accompanying candidates to the office of the Returning Officer to two persons, with limits placed also on vehicles and rallies.

The YSRCP submitted video footage of Punganur and Rayachoti incidents to the Andhra Pradesh High Court and filed an additional affidavit seeking deployment of paramilitary forces for the conduct of the elections. The party alleged that the state police “failed to prevent attacks and obstruction of nominations”. It had earlier sought the exclusion of the state police from the nomination centres, polling stations and the counting centres.

The government told the court that the Punganur unrest followed the arrival of a convoy around 10 am and that special forces were promptly deployed to Punganur and Rayachoti. The situation was under control, it said. The High Court reserved its judgment after hearing both sides.

Annamayya SP Dheeraj Kanumilli said action would be taken against those who had violated law and order in Punganur. He said MP Peddireddi Mithun Reddy’s convoy of six vehicles breached barricades and gates while approaching the nomination centre, triggering objections and a confrontation. A vehicle allegedly drove into people, injuring some, who were shifted to hospital.

TDP MLC Varla Ramaiah, accompanied by Paruchuri Ashok Babu, separately submitted what he described as “evidence against the YSRCP” to the SEC.

In Rayachoti’s SN Colony, clashes followed press conferences by YSRCP leader and former MLA Srikanth Reddy and Minister Ramaprasad Reddy at their respective party offices. Police said workers from both sides attacked one another with sticks and stones. Five vehicles were gutted in a fire and 15 cars damaged.

In Dharmavaram, supporters of former MLA Kethireddy Venkatarami Reddy and TDP workers allegedly pelted stones after an argument involving the former MLA’s brother and his supporters. At Gooty, TDP workers allegedly damaged the car of YSRCP spokesperson Narahari, prompting police intervention.

In Allagadda, Nandyala district, Bhuma Vikhyath Reddy was accused of obstructing YSRCP candidates from filing nominations.

The SEC has opened a control room at its Vijayawada office to receive complaints. The public can call 0866-2490023, 2490024, 2490025 or 2490026, or email [email protected] and [email protected]. Details are available at sec.ap.gov.in.

However, the process of filing nominations will continue over the next two days. Polling is scheduled for October 28 and counting for October 30, putting the authorities under pressure to prevent further clashes and ensure that the candidates file nominations without obstruction.

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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