TDP-YSRCP clashes rock Punganur, several injured

Tirupati: Political rivalry between the ruling TDP and the opposition YSRCP spilled onto the streets of Punganur in Annamayya district on Friday, as a confrontation near a nomination centre triggered stone-pelting, injuries and police firing in the air.

The violence broke out on the first day of nominations for the October 28 urban local body elections when YSRCP MP P V Midhun Reddy arrived at Basavaraja Government Junior College, the designated nomination centre, along with party candidates and a large number of supporters. The rally was reportedly taken out amid apprehensions that YSRCP candidates might be prevented from filing their nomination papers.

Tensions escalated when workers from the two parties confronted each other near the centre and allegedly began pelting stones. Midhun Reddy’s convoy came under attack, with several vehicles reportedly damaged by stones, sticks and iron rods. At least six vehicles were damaged, while some reports indicated that a few vehicles were also set on fire.

Midhun Reddy entered the nomination centre under police protection and remained inside for more than an hour as the situation outside remained tense. Police later moved him away from the spot as efforts to control the confrontation continued. His personal gunman reportedly fired shots into the air during the incident, while police also fired a round in the air to disperse the rival groups.

Several workers from both parties, along with police personnel, sustained injuries in the clashes. TDP leader Madhu Royal was seriously injured, and the injured were shifted to a local hospital for treatment. The YSRCP office in Rayachoty was also gutted in the fire.

Additional police forces were rushed to Punganur to prevent further violence and restore normalcy. The incident triggered a political blame game, with both parties accusing each other of provoking the violence.

Former minister and Punganur MLA Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy alleged that the attack on YSRCP leaders and candidates was carried out at the behest of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and IT minister Nara Lokesh. The YSRCP accused TDP workers of attempting to obstruct its candidates from reaching the nomination centre and demanded strict action against those responsible.

The TDP rejected the allegations, claiming that Midhun Reddy had arrived with a large convoy despite police restrictions. According to TDP leaders, YSRCP workers resorted to stone-pelting when their leaders objected to the gathering. TDP members also staged a protest demanding the MP’s arrest, holding him responsible for the violence.

Meanwhile, the YSRCP approached the High Court again, alleging that its candidates were being prevented from filing nominations. The party also lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission, accusing the police of failing to provide adequate security despite its requests for central forces.

Punganur, which has 36 municipal wards, is considered a stronghold of the Peddireddy family. The violence on the opening day of nominations has raised concerns about the security arrangements and the conduct of the upcoming local body elections.

Tension was also reported in Rayachoti, where vehicles were set on fire and police intervened to disperse rival groups. Security was tightened in both Punganur and Rayachoti, and police-initiated investigations into the incidents.

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Pradeep Vennelakanti

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