The final day of nominations for Andhra Pradesh’s MPTC and ZPTC elections ended amid tight security and sporadic clashes between TDP and YSRCP workers. Police intervened at several locations to control tensions. Following Supreme Court directions, candidates in certain areas were allowed to file nominations under police protection after the deadline was extended.
In Tirupati district’s Kuravapalli village, unidentified persons allegedly set fire to the car of TDP leader and single-window chairman Muttam Prabhakar. He claimed the attackers moved CCTV cameras before setting the vehicle ablaze.
Punganur remained under heavy security following clashes over the previous two days. Police registered a case against former Chittoor MP Reddappa and 177 others based on a complaint by TDP leader Narayanaswamy. Fifteen people were arrested and remanded to judicial custody.
Tensions Spread Across Several Districts
In Narasaraopet, TDP candidates protested outside the RDO office, alleging that YSRCP candidates were escorted in vehicles to file nominations while TDP candidates were turned away. Former YSRCP MLA Gopireddy Srinivasa Reddy began an indefinite hunger strike, alleging irregularities in the nomination process.
In Chilakaluripet, former minister Vidadala Rajini was placed under house arrest. Tensions briefly escalated when a woman SI accidentally pushed her, causing Rajini to lose her balance and sparking a heated exchange with the police. Tensions also erupted in Marripadu in Nellore district when TDP leaders allegedly tore the nomination papers of YSRCP candidate Sheikh Khansa.
In Peddavadugur, Anantapur district, clashes between the two parties escalated into stone pelting. Police resorted to a lathi charge to bring the situation under control.
Meanwhile, police provided security for YSRCP candidates filing nominations in Srikalahasti, Kadapa, Rajampet and Mydukur. In Pulivendula, police served a notice at MP YS Avinash Reddy’s residence restricting rallies and public meetings.
Attack on Journalist Condemned
Journalist Sundar Rao of a few mainstream media was allegedly attacked while covering nominations at the Kadapa Zilla Parishad office. The attackers reportedly seized the reporter’s phone and deleted photographs and videos. Journalists protested at the office, demanding strict action. TDP leaders Srinivas Reddy and Krishnachaitanya Reddy condemned the attack and apologised to the representative.
Reservation Exercise for 23 Urban Local Bodies
Separately, the Andhra Pradesh government announced a five-day exercise from October 25 to 29 to identify SC, ST, BC and women voters for finalising seat reservations in 23 urban local bodies. The schedule covers four municipal corporations and 19 municipalities and nagar panchayats.
Municipal Administration Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar issued GO RT No. 1298 outlining the preparation of draft lists, verification of voter details and disposal of claims and objections.
The final day of nominations has highlighted the challenges of conducting local body elections amid political tensions. With clashes, allegations of obstruction and attacks under scrutiny, the Election Commission must ensure that every eligible candidate gets a fair opportunity to contest. The focus now shifts to the scrutiny of nominations and the need for a peaceful and transparent election process.
