Political Tensions Escalate Across Andhra Pradesh Amid Nomination Disputes

Political tensions escalated across Andhra Pradesh during the local body election nomination process, with the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) alleging that its candidates were prevented from filing nominations and several party leaders were placed under house arrest. The party accused police personnel and ruling coalition supporters of obstructing candidates and attacking its workers at multiple locations.

In Rompicherla, YSRCP Palnadu district working president Dr Gopireddy Srinivasa Reddy alleged that police failed to honour their assurance that all 18 MPTC candidates would be allowed to file nominations under protection. He said party leaders staged a protest for nearly 90 minutes before withdrawing it following assurances from the district SP and DSP. However, police later reportedly said only six candidates would be permitted to file nominations. Gopireddy said the party would approach the court.

He also alleged that a lawyer accompanying three candidates from Lingamguntla was obstructed, his car damaged and nomination papers torn by individuals allegedly linked to the TDP. He claimed party leader Polimera Nagireddy was attacked and accused Narasaraopet MLA Aravind Babu of involvement.

In Rajupalem, Sattenapalli constituency, YSRCP workers alleged that their candidates were attacked near the MPTC office. Stones were reportedly thrown at constituency coordinator Dr Gajjala Sudheer Bhargava Reddy during a protest, injuring several workers.

Tensions were also reported near former minister Vidadala Rajini's residence in Chilakaluripet. The party alleged that police pushed her when she questioned restrictions on Yadlapadu ZPTC candidate Pandula Bullabbayi, leaving her with a hand injury. It claimed she had been under house arrest for three days.

In Galiveedu, Annamayya district, four women candidates were allegedly harassed and their nomination papers torn. In Valmikipuram, police reportedly used a lathi-charge against candidates and arrested party leader Saikrishna Reddy.

The YSRCP further alleged that former minister Jogi Ramesh was confined at home in Ibrahimpatnam and candidate Paladugu Jyotsna was prevented from joining a rally. In Tadimarri, police were accused of assaulting women, including a nine-month pregnant woman, at party leader Tadimarri Chandrasekhar Reddy's residence.

Other alleged incidents included the house arrest of Dr Daddala Narayana Yadav in Kanigiri, former MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy in Macherla for a third consecutive day, and former Guntakal MLA Y. Venkatarami Reddy and other leaders. The party also alleged fake nominations in its name in Pulivendula and an attack on student leader Chengal Reddy in Chandragiri, who was reportedly hospitalised.

Gopireddy demanded that all eligible candidates be allowed to contest without intimidation and warned that continued obstruction could fuel public resentment. The YSRCP expressed confidence in winning the 2029 elections. The allegations remain unverified, with official responses from the police and TDP awaited.