YSRCP leaders placed under house arrest in Nellore

Key leaders of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) were placed under house arrest amid the filing of nominations for the ZPTC and MPTC elections, in SPSR Nellore district on Thursday. 

As a precautionary measure, the police officials have kept YSRCP district president Kakani Govardhan Reddy, city in-charge Parvathareddy Chandrashekhar Reddy and leader Nallapareddy Prasanna Kumar Reddy under house arrest.

Earlier on Wednesday, a dispute reportedly arose between the leaders of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSRCP at Ritwik Enclave — the nomination centre for the Nellore Rural 43 and 45 constituencies. The conflict allegedly started when Anam Karthik, son of YSRCP Mayoral candidate Anam Vijay Kumar Reddy, entered the premises accompanied by 10 others to submit B-forms, which drew strong objections from the TDP leaders present at the location.

This led to a heated exchange of words between the two sides. As a large number of party workers gathered at the scene, Anam Karthik and his associates promptly left the area. The situation was brought under control with the intervention of the police.

District Superintendent of Police (SP) Ajitha Vejendla said, “Extensive security arrangements have been made under the directives to ensure the peaceful conduct of the ZPTC and MPTC nomination process across 35 mandals in the district.” “Robust security measures have been implemented, involving 600 police personnel. The security is overseen by three ASPs, seven DSPs, 25 CIs, and 50 SIs, supported by special parties and reserve police forces,” she informed.

Check-posts have been established within the 500-metre and 100-metre radius of the nomination centres to conduct inspections. Also, additional surveillance is being maintained using drones, CCTV cameras, and mobile patrolling.

However, YSRCP leaders have alleged that the election rules are being trampled upon and authorities are acting in an arbitrary manner to obstruct the filing of nominations by the Opposition candidates.

Addressing the media, Mr. Kakani said, “The coalition government is acting in violation of the election code of conduct during the ongoing local body elections in the State. Freedom and liberty have vanished, creating an atmosphere of fear.”

He accused the leaders of the ruling alliance for inciting violence.