TDP expects easy win in Kamalapuram as YSRCP skips contest, police charge 63 in Pulivendula violence

TDP's mayoral hopeful Matli Suvarna filed her nomination for Kadapa's Kamalapuram Municipality on Sunday, accompanied by legislators R. Madhavi Reddy of Kadapa and P. Krishna Chaitanya Reddy of Kamalapuram, and party zonal coordinator R. Srinivasa Reddy. The YSR Congress Party submitted no nomination for the same contest, leaving only independent candidates against the TDP slate that includes chairperson G. Swapna and several councillors. With no rival fielded, TDP officials said they expect a straightforward victory. Kamalapuram MLA Putha Krishna Chaitanya Reddy told The Hindu that opponents likely found it unwise to spend resources on a municipality they anticipate will fall to the TDP, citing strong local support. While Kamalapuram saw a peaceful filing process, other parts of Kadapa district turned violent as the deadline for Urban Local Bodies nominations passed. Police in Pulivendula recorded incidents of police assault, arson and damage to public property on Saturday. In the aftermath, district authorities booked cases against 63 individuals, most identified as YSRCP supporters. Senior leaders were placed under house arrest on the filing day. Former Deputy Chief Minister S.B. Amzath Basha was detained in Kadapa, MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy in Pulivendula, and TDP officials 'B. Tech' Ravi (Pulivendula in‑charge) and district president C. Bhupesh Reddy. Basha accused ruling party cadres of beating his supporters with sticks and criticized police for standing by.

Context

Municipal elections in Andhra Pradesh often see major parties contesting every ward; a complete boycott by a leading party signals either strategic withdrawal or internal disarray. Police action against large numbers of participants reflects heightened tension around local elections in the state.