Violence Allegations Rock Andhra Pradesh on Second Day of Nominations

Tensions continued across Andhra Pradesh for the second consecutive day of local body election nominations, with the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) alleging attacks on candidates, destruction of nomination papers and obstruction by ruling alliance supporters. The party also accused police of failing to prevent incidents and selectively targeting opposition leaders.

In Tirupati, MP Maddila Gurumoorthy alleged that nomination papers intended for mayoral candidate Vasu Yadav were snatched and torn up near the nomination centre. He urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to intervene.

In Kadapa, the YSRCP alleged that candidate Gunti Nagendra was attacked near the Gandhi Nagar nomination centre and that the papers of a woman candidate contesting Ward 17 were also torn up. The party said former Deputy Chief Minister Amjad Basha was arrested while protesting against the alleged attacks.

In Pulivendula, the party accused police of using a lathi-charge and tear gas against its councillors and alleged that shots were fired into the air and vehicles damaged. It also claimed that armed TDP supporters attempted to attack candidates and that media personnel covering the incident were assaulted. MP YS Avinash Reddy and other leaders were allegedly stopped by police.

In Rajampet, the YSRCP accused TDP supporters of attacking MLA Ake­pati Amarnath Reddy’s residence and damaging furniture, windows and vehicles. In Kadapa, the party alleged that Murad, son of a former deputy mayor, was attacked with a knife near its office.

In Rayachoti, municipal chairperson candidate Jinna Sharif was allegedly attacked and his car damaged. The party claimed police moved him between stations after a crowd gathered. Former MLA Srikanth Reddy was reportedly prevented from entering the town.

In Punganur, candidate SM Niyaz staged a protest after his nomination papers were allegedly snatched. The party also condemned an alleged attack on MP Peddireddy Mithun Reddy.

In Dachepalli and Gurazala, the YSRCP alleged that candidates were obstructed and arrested. Former MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy named chairperson candidates Ravi and Polu Veerareddy among those arrested and said he would challenge the actions in court. In Kamalapuram, party in-charge Naren Reddy was also arrested, according to party leaders.

The YSRCP further alleged that police notices under Section 144 disproportionately targeted its leaders, including Avinash Reddy, district president Ravindranath Reddy and Amjad Basha.

Meanwhile, mayoral candidates Varudu Kalyani in Visakhapatnam and Ganta Mohan Rao in Eluru filed their nominations with party leaders in attendance.

YSRCP representatives met the State Election Commissioner in Vijayawada, demanding investigations into the incidents and equal opportunities for all candidates.