TDP, YSRCP workers clash at Andhra nomination centre, police resort to lathicharge

Clashes broke out between Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) members during the scrutiny of nomination papers in Kuppam in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district, prompting police to resort to a lathicharge to bring the situation under control. Several people were reportedly injured in the police action.

Tensions flared at the nomination centre as members of the two parties clashed during the scrutiny process. Police intervened and used batons to disperse those involved in the confrontation.

The incident comes amid allegations of violence, intimidation and interference in the local body election process, with both sides trading accusations over the conduct of the



polls.

The clashes in Kuppam come against the backdrop of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's allegations that the YSRCP was attempting to create disturbances during the election process.

Speaking at a press meet in Undavalli, Naidu accused the opposition party of bringing gangs, rowdies and criminals from Punjab and other states to create trouble in areas including Punganur and Rayachoti. He also named Dharmavaram, Tirupati, Pulivendula and Darsi, alleging that the YSRCP was attempting to carry out its activities unchecked in these regions.

Naidu further accused the YSRCP of approaching courts repeatedly to obstruct government decisions and electoral processes.