Violence erupted during Andhra Pradesh local body election nominations as TDP and YSRCP supporters clashed, leading to injuries, property damage, and police intervention.
Key Points
- Clashes Reported In: Tirupati, Kadapa, and Annamayya districts saw violent confrontations between TDP and YSRCP supporters during election nominations.
- Injuries Reported: Dozens of TDP workers and candidates were injured in the clashes, with police officers also sustaining injuries.
- Cases Filed: Police have filed cases against both TDP and YSRCP groups following the violence in Chandragiri.
- Detentions: Several YSRCP leaders, including Kadapa MP Avinash Reddy, were detained during the nominations process.
- Vehicle Damage: Vehicles were set on fire, and a car was torched in Kadapa district during the MPP seat dispute.
CHANDRAGIRI: Violence erupted during the nomination process for local body elections in several parts of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, as supporters of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and opposition Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) clashed. The incidents, which occurred in Tirupati, Kadapa, and Annamayya districts, involved stone-throwing, vehicle damage, and injuries to candidates and police officers. Following the clashes in Chandragiri, cases were filed against both groups, with several YSRCP leaders detained. Police deployed additional personnel and issued notices to political leaders amid rising tensions.
Incidents Across Multiple Districts
In Chandragiri, Tirupati district, political tensions escalated during the nomination process for local body elections. According to PTI, a dispute over the Mandal Parishad President (MPP) seat led to violent clashes between rival groups. A car was set on fire, causing traffic congestion on the national highway, and police officers were injured while attempting to disperse crowds. In Anantapur district, a dispute arose after nomination papers were torn at the MPDO office in Itukalapalli. A candidate attempting to submit nomination papers for the Mandal Parishad (MPTC) alleged that their documents were deliberately torn, leading to an argument and subsequent violence between supporters of the two parties. Stones were thrown at opposition supporters, resulting in injuries to several candidates and party leaders.
Escalation In Kadapa And Annamayya
In Kadapa district’s Nanduru, a violent clash occurred over the MPP seat. After tensions escalated, rival groups engaged in physical confrontations on the road. Police intervened to control the situation and remove both groups from the area. During this incident, a car was torched, disrupting traffic on the national highway. Police officers were also injured while trying to manage the crowd and restore order.
Rivalry During MPTC Nominations
Another incident occurred in Nanduru during the MPTC nomination process. A supporter of TDP state official spokesperson M Vijaya Shekhar Reddy arrived at the nomination office, prompting rival groups to throw stones, wooden sticks, plastic chairs, and glass bottles at each other. Traffic on the national highway came to a halt as both sides engaged in the confrontation. According to PTI video footage, police used baton charges to disperse the crowd and restore normalcy. In Pedda Thippasamudram, Annamayya district, supporters of rival parties reportedly threw stones at each other. Tensions escalated further, resulting in serious injuries to dozens of TDP workers and alleged damage to the Janasena Party’s office.
Legal And Political Repercussions
The violence has drawn legal and political responses. According to The Statesman, several YSRCP leaders, including Kadapa MP Avinash Reddy, were detained during the nominations process. The Deccan Chronicle reported that TDP rejected allegations of violence, while YSRCP accused the ruling party of attacks and intimidation. Meanwhile, Business Today noted that the Supreme Court has directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to examine complaints related to the violence. The situation remains tense as authorities work to address the incidents and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
