Andhra Pradesh: YSRCP to skip Punganur civic body polls; Peddireddi, Midhun Reddy told to stay away from town

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has decided to skip the elections to Punganur municipality, which is considered a stronghold of sitting MLA Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy. The party alleged lack of transparency in the election process and security threats to its candidates.

Announcing the YSRCP leadership's decision at a meeting of party supporters at his residence in Tirupati on Sunday, Mr. Ramachandra Reddy said the YSRCP candidates can not file nomination papers without ‘a free and fair atmosphere’. He alleged violence by the rival party workers and poor security cover for the YSRCP candidates.

This announcement came two days after violent clashes broke out on the first day of nominations in Punganur town in Annamayya district. On October 16, TDP and YSRCP workers pelted stones at each other near the municipal office, damaging 10 vehicles.

Punganur Municipality has 31 wards. In the last municipal elections in 2021, the YSRCP won all the wards unanimously. In 2024 Assembly elections, Mr. Ramachandra Reddy retained Punganur constituency, with a margin of 6,538 votes over TDP candidate Challa Ramachandra Reddy.

After the formation of the TDP-led alliance government, Punganur Municipal Chairman Aleem Basha and 10 YSRCP councillors joined the TDP in June last year.

Meanwhile, Annamayya district police on Sunday issued notices to YSRCP MLA Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy and his son and Rajampet MP P.V. Midhun Reddy, asking them not to enter Punganur town amid heightened tensions over the ongoing nomination process for the municipal elections.

The notices were issued two days after the clashes between TDP and YSRCP supporters disrupted the nomination process, triggering allegations of attacks, obstruction and violation of election rules.

Police said preventive measures were necessary to maintain law and order and avert further confrontation during the nomination process. Authorities have also stepped up security in the town after the violence.

The YSRCP alleged that police had obstructed its leaders and candidates, while the police said Mr. Midhun Reddy and his supporters were violating the election guidelines.

According to information, police have registered multiple cases against YSRCP leaders and activists in connection with the Punganur incidents.