Tensions Flare in Pulivendula as TDP and YSRCP Workers Clash During Urban Body Polls

UPDATE - follow-up to Andhra civic polls: TDP, YSRCP workers clash in Pulivendula; 22.08% turnout by 11 a.m. | LIVE: Workers of the Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress Party clashed in Pulivendula during Andhra Pradesh's urban local body elections on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Stones were thrown in wards 11 and 12 before police brought the situation under control. Fourteen vehicles were set on fire near an orchard belonging to Madhusudhan Reddy hours before polling began at 7 a.m. State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha stated that voting elsewhere has been largely peaceful. The overall voter turnout reached 22.08% by 11 a.m., with smaller towns recording faster voting than major cities. Jammalamadugu recorded 60.92%, while Visakhapatnam stood at 13.34%. In Kadapa district, urban turnout reached 25.46%, and Pulivendula saw a turnout of 35.17%. Former Chief Minister and YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy flew into Pulivendula by helicopter on Sunday, leading to accusations from the TDP that he violated the Model Code of Conduct by taking out a roadshow. Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the State Election Commission of siding with the ruling NDA government and failing to ensure a level playing field. He also claimed journalists were beaten up and polling agents blocked. Meanwhile, Minister Nara Lokesh stated on X that the YSRCP came well-prepared in Kadapa and that criminal elements would be dealt with.

Context

Urban local body elections in Andhra Pradesh decide the leadership and local governance of municipalities, municipal corporations, and nagar panchayats across the state. These grassroots elections frequently see intense political competition between major regional parties like the TDP and the YSRCP. The state election authority oversees the polling process to maintain order and ensure rules are followed across all participating districts.