Andhra Polls Turmoil: YSRCP MP Detained in Kadapa Clash

The by-elections for Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTC) in Pulivendula and Vontimitta kicked off amid high drama in YSR Kadapa district, with police taking YSRCP MP YS Avinash Reddy into preventive custody early Tuesday morning. Authorities also placed leaders from both YSRCP and TDP under house arrest to avert potential clashes, deploying over 1,500 police personnel to maintain order in the tense region.

The MP, representing Kadapa, condemned the action as "atrocious" and undemocratic, alleging it was executed without prior notice or justification. Suffering from a high fever, Avinash Reddy claimed he was dragged away barefoot despite pleas from supporters, who were reportedly manhandled by police. In a fiery speech before being whisked away, he accused the police of bias, acting like "TDP supporters" by targeting YSRCP workers while allowing hundreds of armed TDP members to roam freely near polling booths.

YSRCP echoed these sentiments in a press release, labeling the custody as a blatant attempt to disrupt fair elections. The party alleged widespread booth capturing by TDP supporters in at least 15 locations, voter intimidation, and collusion between the ruling NDA coalition, police, and officials. "This is a state-sponsored election hijack orchestrated by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to subvert democracy," the release stated, urging the State Election Commission (SEC) to intervene for an unbiased process.

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The opposition highlighted ignored complaints about attacks on polling agents and violence, raising serious doubts over electoral impartiality. Pulivendula, the home turf of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and a YSRCP stronghold, has become a prestige battleground for both parties, with sporadic violence reported in the lead-up to the polls, including rallies and confrontations.

Meanwhile, TDP MLC Ram Gopal Reddy, also placed under house arrest, criticized the move as unjustified, though he complied without objection. "Arresting leaders during elections undermines democratic principles," he said in a TDP press release, questioning the SEC's handling of the situation.

Similar Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) elections are underway in Ramakuppam (Chittoor), Karempudi (Palnadu), and Vidavaluru (Nellore) districts, but the spotlight remains on Kadapa amid escalating tensions. YSRCP leader SV Satish Reddy was also confined to house arrest, which the party decried as preventing public interaction.

As voting continues, public outrage grows over alleged political interference, with calls for immediate SEC action to safeguard the electoral process. The bypoll, triggered by vacancies, underscores deep-rooted rivalries in Andhra politics, where Pulivendula's outcome could signal shifting power dynamics.

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