Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh Nov 1: Tensions escalated in Pulivendula during municipal polling on Sunday, November 1, amid allegations of violence, voter intimidation and electoral malpractice. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) accused Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers of obstructing voters, attacking party agents and attempting to influence the election. The party also alleged that the police failed to protect voters and ensure a free and fair polling process.
Tension at Pulivendula Polling Booths
According to allegations reported from the area, incidents of violence were reported near polling booths 11 and 12 in Pulivendula. YSRCP alleged that groups of TDP supporters threw stones at its polling agents and prevented voters from entering polling stations.
The party further claimed that some groups carrying sticks threatened residents and created an atmosphere of fear around polling locations.
In another incident, a national media crew covering the alleged election violence was reportedly attacked, and its camera was damaged.
YSRCP alleged that TDP supporters were attempting to occupy polling booths and prevent opposition supporters from exercising their voting rights.
Hundreds of Voters Protest Near Boys Junior College
Tensions intensified near Pulivendula Boys Junior College after voters alleged that the police had prevented them from casting their votes.
Around 400 voters reportedly staged a sit-in protest near the polling booth, expressing concerns that their votes were being cast by TDP leaders or supporters.
YSRCP also accused the police of sending voters away instead of providing them with protection and ensuring access to polling stations.
Voters Raise Allegations Against DSP Murali Naik
Deputy Superintendent of Police Murali Naik faced criticism from voters over his alleged remarks during the polling-related tensions.
According to the allegations, the DSP asked voters to leave and warned them against voting, reportedly telling some that they had no right to vote. Women voters questioned the police officer over his conduct.
The voters also disputed the claim that they had brought sticks, alleging that women police personnel had brought them instead.
The confrontation reportedly ended with the DSP leaving the location after women voters questioned him. YSRCP supporters alleged that the police used force against women voters and dragged some of them away.
These allegations have raised concerns over the treatment of voters and the role of the police during the election.
Alleged Rigging and Voter Intimidation in Islampuram
YSRCP alleged that incidents of voter intimidation and electoral malpractice were reported in Islampuram, Pulivendula.
According to the party, some voters were allegedly stopped and sent back after their voter slips were taken away. People reportedly gathered on the roads demanding their right to vote, following which stones were allegedly thrown at them.
Similar allegations were reported from the fifth ward, where women claimed that TDP workers had prevented them from voting.
The women expressed frustration over the alleged obstruction and urged the authorities to ensure that every eligible voter could exercise their franchise without fear.
In China Reddy Colony, tensions reportedly developed after voters were allegedly pushed away by the police. YSRCP also claimed that groups prevented voters from entering a polling booth at K. Velamavaripalli.
YSRCP Chairperson Candidate Pramilamma Allegedly Attacked
In another incident, YSRCP’s municipal chairperson candidate, Y.S. Pramilamma, was allegedly attacked near polling booth number 21 in Pulivendula.
The party claimed that her vehicle was damaged during the incident.
Pramilamma accused TDP leaders of stationing their supporters near polling booths and obstructing voters and YSRCP polling agents.
She alleged that the opposition party’s agents were being prevented from performing their duties as part of an attempt to facilitate electoral malpractice.
YSRCP also reported that individuals carrying sticks were seen near booth number 38. Separately, the party alleged that police personnel resorted to a lathi-charge against its workers near booth number 17.
YSRCP MP Avinash Reddy Questions Police and Election Commission
YSRCP MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy criticised the alleged incidents of violence and voter obstruction in Pulivendula.
He claimed that people from outside the constituency had arrived in the area and were intimidating voters with sticks and rods.
Avinash Reddy also alleged that YSRCP candidates and supporters were being targeted while the police failed to take adequate action.
He accused the TDP of attempting to win the election through alleged bogus voting and questioned the State Election Commission (SEC) over its response to the reported incidents.
The YSRCP MP maintained that voters must be allowed to cast their ballots freely and that the authorities should take immediate steps to prevent electoral malpractice.
Alleged Election Irregularities in Kadapa
Tensions were also reported in Kadapa, where YSRCP raised allegations of obstruction involving its polling agents.
At Kadapa Women’s College, the party alleged that police personnel prevented its agents from entering the polling station.
Bandi Deepti, the YSRCP mayoral candidate, reportedly objected to the alleged restrictions.
The party also claimed that TDP supporters tore the forms of its polling agents in the eighth division of Kadapa. YSRCP accused the police of failing to intervene despite the alleged incidents.
These developments added to the party’s concerns over the conduct of municipal elections in the region.
YSRCP Demands Action to Ensure Free and Fair Polling
The allegations of violence, voter intimidation and obstruction of polling agents have intensified political tensions in Pulivendula and Kadapa.
YSRCP has accused the ruling TDP-led coalition of attempting to influence the election process and questioned the neutrality of the police and the State Election Commission.
The party has called for action against those allegedly involved in violence and electoral malpractice.
