The Telugu Desam has asked the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to take stringent action over alleged attacks on candidates, supporters and police personnel during the ongoing nomination process for local body elections, warning that violence and intimidation could obstruct free and fair participation.
In a complaint submitted on Thursday, Telugu Desam leaders Varla Ramaiah, P. Ashok Babu and Neelayapalem Vijay Kumar alleged that YSRC leaders and cadres were involved in incidents across several locations. The allegations included threats to police personnel, attacks on candidates and supporters, and the seizure and tearing of nomination papers.
The complaint cited alleged threats by former Proddatur MLA Rachamallu Siva Prasad Reddy against police personnel. It also referred to an incident involving former minister R.K. Roja at a nomination centre on October 21, where the Telugu Desam alleged that she abused police personnel. These claims were made in the party’s complaint to the election commission and were not independently established in the report.
In Sadum mandal of Punganur constituency, Telugu Desam leader Pavan Reddy was allegedly attacked with sticks and an iron rod while travelling to file his nomination. According to the complaint, he suffered bleeding injuries and was admitted to a hospital in Peeleru. The Telugu Desam also alleged that Peddireddy Sudheer Reddy, whom it identified as the prime accused, had not been arrested.
Another incident was reported by the party at the Mandal Development Officer’s office in Guntakal on October 22. The Telugu Desam alleged that YSRC cadres attacked its supporters with stones and sticks, injuring several people. Officials reportedly fled after receiving threats before senior police officers intervened.
The complaint further cited an alleged attack on Telugu Desam leaders at Kodimi village in Anantapur Rural mandal and violence at Nekarikallu in Palnadu district. Several police personnel were allegedly injured in the Palnadu incident. The party also alleged that nomination papers belonging to its candidates were seized and torn, potentially affecting their ability to complete the election process.
The State Election Commission was asked to intervene immediately, protect candidates and supporters, and ensure that nominations could proceed without threats or physical obstruction. The complaint seeks action against those named or implicated in the allegations, but the report does not state whether the commission has issued a response or what formal measures have been ordered.
The allegations place the focus on the administrative safeguards required during local body nominations, when election officials, police personnel and candidates must be able to operate at designated centres without interference. Further action by the State Election Commission and the police will determine how the complaints are investigated and whether additional security arrangements are introduced during the remaining nomination process.
