Tensions grip Chittoor, Annamayya districts; police intensify vigil

Tensions between workers of the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA coalition and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) have escalated into clashes in Chittoor and Annamayya districts during the nomination process for the local body elections, prompting police to intensify vigilance at the nomination centres. Chittoor Superintendent of Police Tushar Dudi inspected a nomination centre in Srirangarajapuram on Friday, a day after heated arguments between workers of both the parties prompted police to order a lathi charge to bring the situation under control.

A few days ago, a similar incident emerged when rival groups at Punganur in Annamayya district reportedly clashed during the nomination process. YSRCP leaders alleged that their candidates were prevented from filing nominations, while the rival camp disputed the allegations. The confrontations have brought the district’s political rivalries and the nomination process's conduct under scrutiny.

Former Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy is undoubtedly the political strongman of the region, particularly in Punganur and neighbouring constituencies in both districts. The YSRCP’s inability to file nominations for Punganur municipality before the original deadline has become the bone of contention.

Punganur’s political significance extends beyond municipal representation because of its association with Peddireddi’s established political base.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership remains the focal point for the coalition’s performance. Kuppam, his Assembly constituency in Chittoor district, witnessed clashes between TDP and YSRCP groups during municipal nomination scrutiny on October 19. The confrontation resulted in injuries and police intervention, with both sides accusing each other of provoking violence.

In Chittoor district, tension was reported near the Zilla Parishad office during the MPTC and ZPTC nomination process. Disputes involving candidate access and allegations of interference were also reported in Penumur and S.R. Puram mandals. Former Deputy CM Narayanaswamy’s convoy came under attack during the nomination filing. The incidents have increased pressure on the district administration to maintain security and ensure that candidates can participate in the electoral process.

Though Jana Sena is contesting as part of the ruling coalition, its influence is largely limited to a few pockets in Punganur, Madanapalle and Piler constituencies.

The police officials said that areas requiring close monitoring included Thamballapalle, Peddamandyam and PTM mandals in Annamayya district, where nomination-related confrontations were reported, and Chittoor and Srirangarajapuram (SR Puram) mandals in Chittoor district, where a candidate’s nomination papers were allegedly snatched.