Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a disturbing surge in electoral violence, with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) allegedly orchestrating widespread disruptions in local by-elections, particularly the Mandal Parishad President (MPP) polls. The ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused TDP of employing coercion, abductions, and police complicity to manipulate the democratic process in areas where it lacks numerical strength.
TDP’s Disruptive Tactics Across Districts
1. Ramagiri, Chittoor District
On March 27, 2025, TDP disrupted the MPP election for a women-reserved seat despite YSRCP holding a 9-1 majority in MPTC seats. Police detained six YSRCP MPTC members at Bagepalli toll plaza, delaying their arrival beyond the nomination deadline. Sub-Inspector Sudhakar Yadav allegedly facilitated TDP’s interference, while MLA Paritala Sunitha and her son Sriram reportedly issued threats via video calls. YSRCP members resisted, forcing the election’s postponement.
2. Penukonda, Anantapur District
TDP activists abducted Peruru-2 MPTC member Bharati, a Dalit woman, from the Tahsildar’s office to pressure her into defecting. YSRCP leaders Usha Sri Charan and Boya Girijamma staged a protest at Ambedkar Circle, accusing the police of bias before being forcibly dispersed.
3. Kambadur, Anantapur District
TDP attacked DSP and RDO vehicles with stones and chili powder, abducted MPTC Enumula Somasekhar, and disrupted power during the MPP election. Despite the chaos, K. Lakshmi Devi was declared MPP amid allegations of bribery, with reports of Rs. 3-4 lakh offered per MPTC vote.
4. Attili, West Godavari District
TDP imposed road blockades, stalling the MPP election for two days and preventing YSRCP MPTCs from attending.
5. Yelamanchili, West Godavari District
A violent clash between TDP and YSRCP workers caused the presiding officer to collapse, delaying the election.
6. Narsaraopeta & Karampudi, Palnadu District
TDP’s intimidation tactics led to a quorum shortage, forcing Vice-MPP elections to be postponed.
7. Gopalavaram, West Godavari District
TDP’s disruptions halted the deputy sarpanch election.
8. Gandlapenta, Anantapur District
YSRCP MPTCs boycotted the MPP election due to TDP’s violent tactics, leading to another postponement.
YSRCP’s Strong Response
The YSRCP alleges that TDP’s pattern of aggression is evident across the state, especially in Chandrababu Naidu’s Kuppam constituency, where SI Yadav is accused of acting as a TDP enforcer rather than a neutral law officer. Protests led by former minister Karumuri, Usha Sricharan, and Topudurthi Prakash Reddy highlight police bias.
With multiple elections stalled and irregularities rampant, the YSRCP has vowed to approach the High Court to challenge what it calls TDP’s undemocratic sabotage. As factionalism resurfaces in Andhra Pradesh, concerns over the integrity of local governance continue to grow.
