YSRC MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy has sought the intervention of the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission over alleged violence and partisan police action during the nomination process in Pulivendula, Kadapa district, raising concerns about candidate safety and the conduct of local elections.
Reddy alleged that hundreds of Telugu Desam leaders and supporters were allowed to gather near the municipal office, while YSRC supporters positioned about 100 metres away were subjected to a lathi-charge and tear gas. The claims were reported by Deccan Chronicle.
The MP also accused the Deputy Superintendent of Police of pointing an AK-47 at YSRC candidates. He questioned why police allegedly failed to act against Telugu Desam workers who, according to him, were carrying sickles, knives, sticks, iron rods and stones.
Reddy further alleged that nomination papers, including documents submitted to the Returning Officer, were snatched and torn during the proceedings. The allegations, as reported, have not been independently corroborated in the material available for this report, and no response from the police or the Telugu Desam was included.
“Should candidates face lathi-charge and tear gas just to file nominations? What is the Election Commission doing?” Reddy asked while calling for immediate intervention by the State Election Commission.
He demanded security for all candidates and measures to ensure free and fair elections. The episode places the role of election authorities, police deployment and Returning Officers under scrutiny during the nomination stage, when access to official filing processes is central to the participation of candidates.
The State Election Commission’s response and any subsequent police or administrative action were not specified in the report. Reddy’s requested next steps are enhanced security for candidates and intervention by the commission.
