Violence marred the Pulivendula ZPTC poll today as voting took place in Pulivendula and Ontimitta mandals. Reports emerged of YSRCP leaders and cadre resorting to sporadic attacks at several polling stations, creating tension among voters and agents.
At Ontimitta booth number 4, YSRCP leaders allegedly barged in and assaulted TDP SC cell secretary Nalla Venkata Subbaiah while he was on duty. Local TDP leaders claimed it was a pre-planned attack aimed at intimidating voters and polling agents. In Ontimitta mandal, YSRCP members caused disturbances in Chintarajupalle, Kottapalle, Mantapampalle and Rachapally.
Minister Mandipally Ramprasad Reddy visited a polling centre to monitor the process. During this time, YSRCP contestant Iragam Reddy reportedly attacked the local TDP office, prompting the Minister to issue a stern warning to the ruling party cadre. In Chinnakottapalli, a clash between YSRCP and TDP members briefly heightened tensions.
By 11 am, voter turnout in Ontimitta mandal stood at 38.64 percent, up from 14.8 percent at 9 am. In Kanampalli, Pulivendula, a clash broke out when YSRCP members allegedly stopped TDP workers from voting and damaged a car. TDP members retaliated before police restored order.
To maintain peace, 1,400 police personnel were deployed. In Vempally, YSRCP state secretary Satish Reddy was placed under house arrest. Pulivendula TDP MLC Ramgopal Reddy was arrested and taken to Idupulapaya police station.
Though 11 candidates are contesting the by-election, the main fight in Pulivendula is between TDP’s Maareddy Lata Reddy and Hemanth Reddy, while in Ontimitta it is between YSRCP’s Iragam Reddy and TDP’s Muddu Krishna Reddy. Police in both mandals have stepped up security to ensure smooth voting.
