Tensions Flare In Pulivendula Ahead Of ZPTC Bypoll
TD alleges threats from YSRC
ANANTAPUR: Amid a heightening of political tensions in poll-bound Pulivendula, Telugu Desam leaders lodged a complaint against YSRC leaders including the Ragava Reddy PA of MP Avinash Reddy, citing “threats” to YSRC leaders joining the TD.
Telugu Desam in-charge B Tech Ravi alleged on Tuesday that YSRC men were threatening those who were joining the TD.
In view of the mounting tensions, police sounded an alert and posted additional forces at all sensitive villages in Pulivendula mandal, which is set for the ZPTC polling on August 12. Cops deployed drones to keep a close watch on the situation.
The byelection follows the death of sitting ZPTC member Maheswar Reddy of Pulivendula rural mandal. Bypoll is also scheduled for Vontimitta in Kadapa district.
After scrutiny was over on Tuesday evening, the authorities announced that a total of 11 candidates were left in the fray for the Pulivendula ZPTC seat and a similar number for the Vontimitta ZPTC.
TD incharge B Tech Ravi’s wife Mareddy Latha Reddy is the TD candidate in Pulivendula while Tummala Hemantha Reddy, son of Maheswar Reddy is the YSRC nominee and M. Shiva Kalyan Reddy is in fray from Congress. Eight independent candidates including Sunil Yadav, accused in the Viveka murder case, are in the fray in Pulivendula.
In Vondimitta, Reddy Subba Reddy is the YSRC candidate and Muddu Krishna Reddy the TD nominee, while P Vijayabhaskar is the Congress candidate apart from eight independents in the fray after scrutiny on Tuesday.
The Pulivendula electoral fight is more prestigious because this is the home turf of YSRC chief and former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. TD is keen on grabbing the seat.