Congress condemns violence during ULB polls in Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Sunday condemned the incidents of violence and clashes reported during the local body elections in Pulivendula, Kadapa and Arnada panchayat in Kurupam mandal of Vizianagaram district, stating that such incidents pose a serious threat to democracy.

In a statement, APCC vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji cited reports of TDP leaders, with the alleged support of police personnel, forcibly removing YSRCP leaders and polling agents from polling stations in Pulivendula to facilitate booth capturing. He said there were reports of polling agents being attacked with sticks and stones, with videos of the alleged incidents also emerging.

He said arguments and physical altercations between polling agents in Kadapa and Pulivendula had reportedly disrupted polling for some time. Similarly, he said, tension prevailed at Arnada panchayat in Vizianagaram district following an argument and scuffle between TDP MLA T. Jagadeeswari and Jana Sena activists during the election campaign. Police had to intervene to bring the situation under control.

Mr. Shivaji questioned the effectiveness of the police machinery, particularly when elaborate security arrangements, including deployment of a large number of police personnel and 1,000 paramilitary forces, had reportedly been made to ensure peaceful polling.

Demanding a comprehensive inquiry into all the incidents, he urged the State Election Commission to initiate stringent action against police officials found negligent and those responsible for the violence. “Every voter must be allowed to exercise their franchise freely and without fear,” he said.