Tensions flared in Pulivendula on the second day of municipal election nominations, leading to a police lathi charge to disperse a large gathering of YSRCP activists near the nomination centre.
The incident occurred when YSRCP activists sought entry to the nomination centre while TDP candidates and their supporters were inside. Police had asked them to wait to prevent a confrontation between the groups.
Despite repeated warnings from the police, the YSRCP activists attempted to advance in large numbers. This prompted officers to use force to disperse the crowd.
The event has brought to light growing political tensions in Kadapa and Tirupati. The ruling TDP and opposition YSRCP have exchanged accusations of intimidation and attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
Kadapa SP Shelke Nachiket Vishwanath arrived at the scene with additional personnel to manage the situation. District Collector Sreedhar Cherukuri also visited Pulivendula to assess the ground situation.
