Violence Erupts During Parishad Elections in Andhra Pradesh

Parishad elections in several districts of Andhra Pradesh witnessed violent incidents, clashes and allegations of electoral malpractice, creating tension at multiple polling stations. In YSR Kadapa district, political confrontations reportedly escalated into petrol bomb attacks. In Pulivendula, police stopped YSRCP workers from entering the Yerripalle polling centre, following which petrol bombs were allegedly hurled. Clashes were also reported near R. Thummalapalli in Lingala mandal, while YSRCP workers allegedly attacked cars belonging to TDP leaders in Nallapareddypalle. Tensions were reported in Nandalur and near polling stations in Kalasapadu, Ontimitta and Salabad. In Peddamudium, supporters of YSRCP MLC Ramasubbareddy allegedly attacked TDP workers at several polling centres. Another serious incident was reported at S. Ramapuram polling station in Gopavaram mandal, where Adityareddy, son of YSRCP MLC DC Govinda Reddy, and party leader Narsareddy allegedly attempted to pour ink into a ballot box. Clashes were also reported in Srikakulam and Parvathipuram Manyam districts, including incidents involving sticks and stones and an alleged assault on a TDP polling agent.

Violence and polling-related disruptions were also reported in Guntur, Anantapur, Kurnool and Eluru districts. In Lankelakurapadu of Muppalla mandal, Guntur district, YSRCP leaders allegedly attacked TDP leaders M. Srinivasareddy and K. Ravindrareddy. In Rentapalla, two people were reportedly injured in a post-poll clash, while TDP workers allegedly damaged webcasting equipment and a laptop at Kunchavaripalem polling booth. In Marutla-2 village of Kuderu mandal, Anantapur district, a group allegedly entered a polling station, attacked election staff, took away a ballot box and damaged it, scattering the ballot papers. Police registered cases against around 60 people in connection with the incident. In Kurnool district, alleged rigging at a polling station in Arlabanda led the returning officer to suspend the election process there. Clashes were also reported in Gummanur village. In Nuzvid mandal of Eluru district, a TDP worker was allegedly attacked with a knife attached to a keychain and suffered serious neck injuries. An attempt to attack Srikakulam MLA Gondu Shankar was also reported. These incidents highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding the elections, with allegations of attacks on candidates, party workers, polling agents and election officials.