YSRCP pulls out of Punganur municipal elections citing security concerns

The YSR Congress Party has announced it will not take part in the upcoming elections for the Punganur municipality. Party MLA Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy said his candidates could not submit nomination papers without a free and fair atmosphere, citing violent clashes and inadequate security. He made the statement at a gathering of supporters at his home in Tirupati on Sunday. The decision follows stone‑throwing fights between YSRCP and TDP supporters on October 16, the first day of nominations, which damaged ten vehicles near the municipal office. Punganur municipality consists of 31 wards. In the 2021 local polls the party swept all seats, and in the 2024 state assembly race Reddy retained the Punganur seat by 6,538 votes over TDP's Challa Ramachandra Reddy. After the TDP‑led alliance came to power, the municipal chairman Aleem Basha and ten YSRCP councillors switched to the TDP in June of the previous year. On Sunday, district police issued notices to MLA Reddy and his son, Rajampet MP P.V. Midhun Reddy, ordering them to stay away from Punganur amid heightened tension. Police said the notices were a preventive step after the clashes disrupted the nomination process and alleged violations of election rules. Authorities have also increased security in the town. The party claims police actions hindered its leaders, while police say the MP and his supporters broke election guidelines. Police have filed several cases against YSRCP leaders and activists linked to the incidents. ## Context