Andhra Civic Polls Witness TDP-YSRCP Clashes, YSRCP Alleges Irregularities

Elections to 100 urban local bodies across Andhra Pradesh were held on Sunday, with polling largely peaceful despite allegations of booth capturing, bogus voting and voter intimidation levelled by the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) against the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The elections covered 13 municipal corporations, including Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats. Polling took place between 7 am and 5 pm. A tentative voter turnout of 60.36 per cent was recorded in 92 urban local bodies, with 58.48 lakh votes polled out of 96.89 lakh registered voters. Elections in the remaining eight bodies were unanimous.

YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the TDP-led government of undermining democracy, alleging that ruling party workers occupied polling booths in Pulivendula from 4 am, forcibly took voter slips and prevented people from casting their votes.

He claimed that YSRCP polling agents were denied entry into 70 of the 80 booths in Pulivendula. He also alleged that police favoured the ruling party, candidates were forcibly detained and media personnel were attacked. Questioning the State Election Commission, Jagan alleged that polling booths lacked CCTV surveillance and video recording.

Jagan, accompanied by Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy, staged a protest outside the Returning Officer's office in Pulivendula after officials denied him entry.

State Finance Minister P Keshav rejected the allegations, asserting that polling was free and fair despite attempts to intimidate voters. He said people were participating enthusiastically after staying away from elections for years.

Meanwhile, clashes involving TDP and YSRCP supporters, including stone-pelting incidents, were reported in Pulivendula. Police also registered a case over an attack on two private news channel journalists near Gandhi Statue Circle in Ahobilapuram. A group of around 80 unidentified persons allegedly assaulted a video journalist and damaged their camera.

State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha said polling was peaceful in most areas, adding that complaints from political parties were being examined. Voting in Ward 55 of Vijayawada was extended until 7.30 pm following technical and other delays.

Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta said 41 election-related incidents were reported from 20 districts, including Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapur. Police were directed to investigate the incidents and take legal action. Elaborate security arrangements were also made to transport ballot boxes to strong rooms, with protection continuing until counting.