On Friday, the commencement of the municipal election nomination process led to widespread tension and violent incidents across several districts in Andhra Pradesh. In Rayachoti, vehicles belonging to YSRCP leaders were set on fire and vandalized at the party's office.
The Rayalaseema region, specifically Punganur, Rayachoti, Tirupati, and Dharmavaram, witnessed clashes between supporters of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alliance and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). These incidents included vehicle damage, office arson, and stone-pelting.
The violence began in Punganur, Annamayya district, near the returning officer’s office at Basava Raja Junior College. Chaos erupted when PV Midhun Reddy, YSRCP Floor Leader in the Lok Sabha and Rajampet MP, arrived with councillor candidates to file their nominations.
A rival group of TDP workers confronted the MP's convoy, obstructing its movement and initiating a confrontation with stones and sticks. This resulted in damage to several vehicles, including two from the MP's convoy, and injuries to two local TDP leaders and the MP's gunman.
Police quickly deployed forces to the scene to restore order. They safely escorted MP Midhun Reddy from the area to his native place, Sodum. Investigations into the incidents are ongoing.
YSRCP president and former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy strongly condemned the attack on Midhun Reddy in Punganur. He spoke with the MP over the phone to inquire about his condition and expressed his disapproval of the violence.