Violence mars municipal polls in Andhra Pradesh as rival parties clash

Violent confrontations between Indian National Congress workers and Telugu Desam Party supporters marred the conduct of Municipal Parishad and Zilla Parishad elections in Kadapa district on Tuesday, disrupting the electoral process in several constituencies. The clashes, which broke out at multiple polling centres, prompted election officials to deploy additional security personnel to restore order and ensure the smooth conduct of voting. Eyewitness accounts indicated that disputes over candidate nominations and allegations of malpractice triggered the altercations between the competing political groups. Local administration officials registered complaints and initiated investigations into the incidents, with law enforcement agencies increasing their presence across polling stations to prevent further disturbances. The electoral commission has intensified monitoring measures in the district to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing municipal elections and ensure compliance with election rules. Political observers attribute the escalating tensions to fierce competition between the two major parties vying for control of local governance bodies in the region. Election authorities have warned against violations of the Model Code of Conduct and cautioned political parties against engaging in activities that compromise voter safety or electoral fairness.