Polling for the MPTC and ZPTC elections in Andhra Pradesh witnessed incidents of clashes and tensions in several districts on Thursday, November 5. Police intervened at affected locations following reports of petrol bomb attacks and disputes between rival political groups.
In Yerripalle village of Pulivendula mandal in YSR Kadapa district, TDP and YSRCP supporters reportedly clashed near a polling station. Petrol bombs were allegedly hurled during the confrontation, triggering a fire and creating panic among people in the area.
Police rushed to the location and deployed additional personnel to control the situation. However, conflicting allegations emerged over who was responsible for the attack, and the circumstances remain under investigation.
A similar incident was reported from Nallapureddypalle in Penagaluru mandal, where police stopped a group of YSRCP workers attempting to enter a polling station. Petrol bombs were reportedly thrown near the polling centre, leading to further tension.
In Nandalur, residents reportedly stopped vehicles carrying people from Tirupati, Proddatur and Jammalamadugu. Police intervened and took some individuals into custody following concerns over possible disturbances during voting.
TDP and YSRCP workers also clashed near a polling station at Chilakalapalli in Parvathipuram Manyam district. In Garividi, Vizianagaram district, an argument between YSRCP and Jana Sena leaders escalated into a scuffle.
A JanaSena woman leader was allegedly attacked during the Garividi incident. However, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and responsibility for the alleged assault have not been independently established.
Further disturbances were reported from Kalyandurg, Ananthasagaram, Kuppam and Pedakakani. In Kalyandurg, YSRCP leaders were accused of locking a polling booth, while a ballot box was reportedly thrown outside at Lakkireddigaripalle in Annamayya district.
The State Election Commission had made security arrangements in sensitive areas before polling began. Police personnel were deployed to monitor polling stations and respond to any disturbances during the election process.
Polling began at 7 AM across the state, with more than 2.61 crore voters eligible to participate. Voting was scheduled to continue until 5 PM in most areas, while counting is scheduled for November 7.
Police responded to the reported incidents and took steps to maintain order at the affected polling stations. Authorities continued monitoring sensitive areas, while the circumstances surrounding several allegations remained under investigation.
By 1 PM, Andhra Pradesh had recorded 30.50 per cent polling in the MPTC and ZPTC elections. Voting continued across the state amid reports of isolated clashes and tensions, with police monitoring sensitive areas to ensure the smooth conduct of polling.
