Amaravati, 16 October (H.S.): The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) traded allegations following clashes in Punganur municipality of Andhra Pradesh's Annamayya district on Friday, the first day of nominations for local body elections. The confrontation involved the convoy of Rajampet MP and YSRCP Lok Sabha floor leader P.V. Midhun Reddy.

The TDP alleged that Midhun Reddy arrived in Punganur with a large convoy and accused YSRCP workers of provoking its supporters. TDP leaders further claimed that a vehicle in the MP's convoy was driven towards party workers and members of the public, leaving several people injured. They demanded an investigation into the MP's alleged role and action against those responsible.

The ruling party also accused YSRCP leaders of bringing supporters from neighbouring areas to intimidate candidates and workers. TDP leaders said incidents reported in Punganur, Rayachoti, Tirupati and Dharmavaram threatened the peaceful conduct of the nomination process. TDP MLCs approached election authorities seeking action and adequate security for the polls.

The YSRCP rejected the allegations, claiming that TDP supporters attacked Midhun Reddy's escort vehicles with stones, sticks and iron rods and attempted to prevent candidates from filing nominations. Tirupati MP M. Gurumoorthy wrote to the President of India and the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking their intervention over the alleged attack.

YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned the incident and spoke to Midhun Reddy over the phone to enquire about his safety. He accused the Chandrababu Naidu government of using intimidation and the police machinery against the opposition.

Jagan said his party would pursue legal and constitutional remedies and seek the deployment of central paramilitary forces to ensure free and fair local body elections. The allegations made by both parties came amid heightened political tensions during the nomination process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar