Jagan Mohan Reddy stages sit-in protest in Pulivendula amid civic poll clashes

UPDATE - follow-up to Andhra civic polls: Jagan stages sit-in in Pulivendula, demands repoll; 37.13% turnout by 1 p.m. | LIVE: YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy staged a sit-in outside the Returning Officer's office in Pulivendula after clashes broke out between TDP and YSRCP workers during Andhra Pradesh's urban local body elections.

What Happened

Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy demanded a repoll in the town and accused officials of denying entry to his party's polling agents, while also alleging that journalists were beaten up and cameras destroyed. He claimed the State Election Commission failed to ensure a level playing field and favored the ruling NDA government, while Minister Nara Lokesh stated on X that the YSRCP came well-prepared for trouble in Kadapa and that authorities would deal with criminal elements.

Context

Statewide voting for urban local bodies proceeded largely peacefully elsewhere, with overall voter turnout reaching 37.13% by 1 p.m. as smaller towns recorded faster voting paces than major cities.