YSRCP leaders violated SEC rules in Punganur, says Annamayya SP Dheeraj

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has violated the State Election Commission (SEC) guidelines while proceeding to file nomination papers for Punganur Municipality, says Annamayya district Superintendent of Police Dheeraj Kunubilli.

YSRCP’s Member of Parliament P.V. Midhun Reddy, along with around 100 followers and party workers, reached the Punganur Municipality, Mr. Dheeraj said in a statement on Friday. “The SEC rules stipulate that the candidate filing the nomination papers and two others are permitted within the 100-metre perimeter of the office of the Returning Officer,” he said.

“Mr. Midhun Reddy and his supporters reportedly arrived in six batches from Punganur town in multiple vehicles and breached security barricades and gates by driving at high speed,” the Superintendent of Police said.

This triggered protests from the TDP workers and members of the public, he said, adding that the police immediately intervened and dispersed both the groups.

Mr. Dheeraj further said that a vehicle, reportedly belonging to the YSRCP, entered the nomination centre rashly and carelessly, moved menacingly towards the TDP cadres and the general public, injuring several people. The injured persons were immediately shifted to hospital in an ambulance, he said.

Police forces were deployed in full strength and the mob was dispersed, he said, adding that Mr. Midhun Reddy was taken to a safe room as a precautionary measure. He was later moved to a safe location after dispersing the public, the SP added.

Speaking to the media later, Mr. Midhun Reddy alleged that the election officials refused to accept the nominations of the YSRCP candidates on the directions of the TDP leaders.