Andhra Local Body Polls: YSRCP Alleges Violence, House Arrests; TDP Rejects Claims

Amaravati: The YSRCP on Thursday alleged that senior party leaders were placed under house arrest and candidates were prevented from filing nominations for the upcoming MPTC and ZPTC polls.

However, the ruling TDP accused the YSRCP of "attempting to disrupt" the election process out of fear of defeat.

"Several of our leaders have been placed under house arrest and candidates are being prevented from filing nominations amid attacks and intimidation during the local body elections process across Andhra Pradesh," the YSRCP claimed in a press release.

In Kadapa district, MP YS Avinash Reddy was allegedly detained by police while attempting to assist party candidates with nomination filing, it said.

In Anantapur district, former MLA K Pedda Reddy was placed under house arrest, while former minister Sake Sailajanath was confined to his residence in Singanamala.

The police also restricted the movement of senior leaders in other districts to prevent them from accompanying candidates to nomination centres, it alleged.

Similarly, in Tirupati district, senior YSRCP leaders Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and Mohith Reddy were allegedly placed under house arrest in Chandragiri constituency, among others.

At Nizampatnam in Bapatla district, TDP cadres allegedly tore nomination papers, damaged a vehicle and attacked opposition leaders, leaving three YSRCP leaders injured, said the release.

YSRCP also alleged that a Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) candidate was forcibly taken away in Pedakurapadu and several leaders were detained to prevent them from reaching nomination centres.

In Kurnool district, YSRCP alleged that heaps of stones were found dumped near the MPDO office at Veldurthi, raising concerns over possible attacks on candidates.

The party further alleged that candidates in Kadapa were forcibly taken into custody and transported towards Tirupati to prevent them from filing nominations within the stipulated deadline.

YSRCP also alleged irregularities in the municipal election process in Pithapuram.

The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led party accused the police of selectively restricting its leaders while "failing to act" against those allegedly involved in attacks and intimidation.

It demanded that authorities ensure candidates are allowed to file nominations without obstruction and that the election process is conducted fairly.

The TDP said that district Collectors and Superintendents of Police would submit reports to the State Election Commission on allegations that candidates were prevented from filing nominations in 19 places, and the facts would become clear after the reports were examined.

According to the ruling party, violence was reported in places such as Darsi, Punganur, Rayachoti, Kadapa and Pulivendula, and blamed the YSRCP leaders for it.

It also maintained that the NDA coalition government was committed to conducting the elections peacefully.

Accusing YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of attempting to obstruct the election process through legal challenges, the TDP said delays in holding the polls could affect the release of 16th Finance Commission funds meant for village and gram panchayat development.