Political Violence Erupts in Andhra Pradesh Ahead of Local Elections

In a troubling turn of events, political violence erupted in Andhra Pradesh's Annamayya district as YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) faced attacks during the nomination process for local elections. Vehicles were set ablaze near the YSRCP office in Rayachoti, and MP P.V. Mithun Reddy's convoy was assaulted in Punganur. The YSRCP has accused the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of orchestrating these violent acts, leading to injuries among party members. The situation has prompted calls for intervention from the State Election Commission to ensure the safety of candidates and uphold the electoral process. This incident raises serious concerns about political stability in the region as tensions escalate ahead of the elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 16, 2026, 16:04 IST

Violence in Rayachoti Amid Political Tensions

Screengrab shows vehicles set ablaze outside the YSRCP office in Rayachoti, AP amid political clashes with TDP workers(Photo: @YSJaganTrends/X)

Rayachoti (Andhra Pradesh), Sep 16: The Annamayya district in Andhra Pradesh experienced significant unrest on Friday, as multiple vehicles were set ablaze near the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) office in Rayachoti. This incident followed an attack on the convoy of YSRCP MP P.V. Mithun Reddy in Punganur.

Violence escalated in Rayachoti when cars parked close to the YSRCP office were torched, with the YSRCP attributing the blame to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

Clashes erupted between supporters of both parties coinciding with the initial day of local body election nominations.

The arson incident occurred after the attack in Punganur, where Mithun Reddy's convoy was reportedly assaulted by individuals associated with the TDP.

Stones, sticks, and iron rods were used to damage the vehicles in the convoy, leading to significant destruction.

Reports indicate that the Rajampet MP sustained injuries during the attack and managed to reach the nomination center. However, as TDP supporters attempted to breach the center, police had to escort the MP to safety. The situation was chaotic, with officers struggling to maintain order as attackers tried to force their way in.

Blood was visible on the MP's shirt, and his security personnel also suffered injuries.

YSRCP has alleged that there was a deliberate attempt on Mithun Reddy's life, claiming that TDP members threw stones at the convoy and assaulted it with sticks and rods while he was accompanying party candidates to file their nominations.

Furthermore, YSRCP accused TDP leaders and supporters of obstructing the convoy and hindering YSRCP candidates from reaching the nomination center.

Vehicles belonging to YSRCP officials were vandalized, and the police present at the scene were criticized for their inability to protect the candidates or prevent the violence.

In response to the attack, YSRCP condemned the actions against the MP and accused the TDP government of fostering an environment of violence to intimidate opposition candidates and disrupt the electoral process.

The party has called for immediate intervention from the State Election Commission, urging them to instruct the police to file criminal charges, apprehend those responsible, and take action against officers who failed to prevent the incident. They also demanded protection for candidates and their proposers, ensuring that all affected individuals could file their nominations without further obstruction.

P. Ramchandra Reddy, Mithun Reddy’s father and former Minister, held the TDP government accountable for the attack, warning that if his son was not safely returned, the government and police would face consequences.