Former Andhra Pradesh minister Vidadala Rajini was allegedly pushed to the ground by a woman police officer at her residence in Chilakaluripet, Palnadu district, on Friday, 23 October 2026, according to the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has ignited a political storm during the ongoing nomination process for local body elections in the state.

What Allegedly Happened

According to YSRCP, Chilakaluripet Rural Sub-Inspector Priyanka forcefully pushed Rajini — the party's constituency in-charge for Chilakaluripet and a prominent Backward Classes leader — to the ground at her own home. The opposition party alleged that Rajini had been placed under effective house arrest while she was attempting to distribute B-Forms to MPTC and ZPTC candidates ahead of the nomination deadline.

The situation escalated when Yadlapadu ZPTC candidate Pandula Bullabbayi, described as a Dalit leader, arrived at Rajini's residence to meet her and was reportedly stopped at the gate by police. YSRCP said Rajini questioned the restrictions, at which point the alleged physical altercation occurred.

YSRCP's Allegations Against the Ruling Coalition

YSRCP alleged that police were acting on the directions of leaders of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), systematically obstructing YSRCP candidates rather than protecting their democratic rights during the election process. 'What crime did Rajini commit? Meeting our candidates? Providing B-Forms? Questioning police restrictions at her own house?' the party said in a statement.

The party strongly condemned the incident and demanded immediate action against the officer involved. It also called on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to answer for the conduct of police under his administration, citing a pattern of obstruction during the ongoing local body elections.

Complaint Filed With State Election Commission

YSRCP leaders formally lodged a complaint with State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha, alleging widespread violence, nomination obstruction, and electoral irregularities by TDP workers. The delegation included MLCs Lella Appi Reddy and Kalpalatha Reddy, along with Employees and Pensioners Wing State President Nalamaaru Chandrasekhar Reddy.

Speaking to the media outside the SEC office, Appi Reddy alleged that opposition candidates were placed under house arrest while ruling-party candidates enjoyed unrestricted access, and that police and revenue officials were 'functioning as TDP workers'. He further alleged that nomination papers were torn, candidates attacked, and cases registered against victims rather than perpetrators.

Kalpalatha Reddy specifically condemned reported attacks on women candidates — including alleged saree-pulling and physical assaults — and questioned the silence of woman Home Minister V. Anitha on the matter.

Concerns Over Supreme Court Directions and Deadlines

YSRCP flagged that despite directions from the Supreme Court, the SEC had provided relief in only 4 of the 19 affected municipalities. The party argued that police escort instructions issued just 90 minutes before the nomination deadline were effectively meaningless for candidates travelling from distant villages.

The party demanded an extension of the nomination deadline, adequate protection for its candidates, cancellation of what it described as fabricated YSRCP nominations and withdrawals, and threatened legal accountability for election irregularities. Chandrasekhar Reddy criticised officials for standing by without intervening during reported attacks.

Political Context

This incident comes amid a backdrop of heightened political tension as Andhra Pradesh moves through its local body election cycle. YSRCP, now in opposition following its electoral defeat, has repeatedly accused the TDP-led coalition of using state machinery to marginalise its workers and candidates. The alleged assault on a former minister — and the video evidence circulating widely — has sharpened those accusations and put fresh pressure on the SEC to act decisively before the election process concludes.

How the State Election Commission responds to the formal complaint, and whether an independent investigation is ordered, will be closely watched in the days ahead.