AP Local Poll Tensions Continue as YSRCP Alleges Leaders’ House Arrests

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused the Andhra Pradesh police of placing several senior party leaders under house arrest and obstructing candidates from filing nominations for the MPTC and ZPTC elections, alleging that its candidates faced intimidation and attacks in multiple districts. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), however, countered that the opposition was attempting to disrupt the election process out of fear of defeat.

In a statement, the YSRCP alleged that its leaders and candidates faced restrictions while approaching nomination centres. It claimed that Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy was taken into police custody when he went to assist candidates with filing their nominations. In Anantapur district, former MLA Kethireddy Peddareddy was allegedly placed under house arrest, while former minister Sake Sailajanath was reportedly confined to his residence in Singanamala.

The party further alleged that senior leaders Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and Mohit Reddy were placed under house arrest in the Chandragiri constituency of Tirupati district. It claimed similar restrictions were imposed on party leaders in other districts, preventing them from accompanying candidates to nomination centres.

In Nizampatnam, Bapatla district, the YSRCP accused TDP workers of tearing nomination papers, damaging a vehicle and attacking opposition leaders. It said three party leaders were injured in the incident. In Pedakurapadu, an MPTC candidate was allegedly taken away forcibly, while other leaders were reportedly prevented from reaching nomination centres.

The opposition party also raised concerns over piles of stones found near the MPDO office in Veldurthi, Kurnool district, alleging a potential threat to candidates. In Kadapa district, it claimed some candidates were detained and taken towards Tirupati, preventing them from filing nominations before the deadline. The party also alleged irregularities in the Pithapuram municipal election process.

Criticising the police response, the YSRCP demanded that authorities ensure candidates could submit nominations without obstruction and that elections were conducted freely and fairly.

Meanwhile, the TDP said district collectors and superintendents of police would submit reports to the State Election Commission on complaints from 19 locations where candidates were allegedly prevented from filing nominations. It said the facts would emerge after the reports were examined.

The ruling party blamed YSRCP leaders for violent incidents reported in Darsi, Punganur, Rayachoti, Kadapa and Pulivendula, asserting that the NDA coalition government was committed to peaceful elections. The TDP also accused YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of using legal challenges to delay the process, warning that prolonged delays could affect the release of Sixteenth Finance Commission funds for village and gram panchayat development.