YSRCP alleges TDP attacks on leaders as MPTC, ZPTC nominations begin in Andhra Pradesh
Synopsis
On the first day of MPTC and ZPTC nomination filing in Andhra Pradesh, YSRCP alleged a coordinated wave of violence, arrests, and obstruction targeting its leaders — including a physical attack on former Deputy CM K. Narayana Swamy. With polling set for 3 November, the allegations put the State Election Commission and police under immediate scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
MPTC and ZPTC nomination filing began in Andhra Pradesh on 21 October , with elections scheduled for 3 November .
YSRCP alleged attacks on its leaders and candidates across multiple districts, blaming TDP and coalition partners.
Former Deputy Chief Minister K.
Narayana Swamy was allegedly attacked in Chittoor district near the Zilla Parishad Chairman's office.
Madan Reddy , Ramu , and Lokesh suffered serious head injuries in Chandragiri , Tirupati district ; Pulivarthi Vineel was accused of instigating the violence.
Former MLA Brahmanaidu was placed under house arrest in Narasaraopet ; Kommineni Venkateswarlu was arrested in Piduguralla Mandal .
YSRCP demanded immediate protection for candidates and an end to police interference in the nomination process.
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders and candidates, including former Deputy Chief Minister K. Narayana Swamy, allegedly faced physical attacks, arrest, and intimidation across Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, 21 October, as the filing of nominations for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections got under way. The YSRCP squarely blamed the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its coalition partners for orchestrating the violence, allegations the ruling alliance has not publicly addressed.
Key Incidents Across the State
In Chittoor district, TDP cadres allegedly attacked former Deputy Chief Minister Narayana Swamy near the Zilla Parishad Chairman's office when he arrived to assist in filing a ZPTC nomination from Penumuru. The attack on a former Deputy CM on the very first day of nominations has drawn particular attention.
In Chandragiri, Tirupati district, YSRCP alleged that former MPTC member Madan Reddy and party supporters Ramu and Lokesh sustained serious head injuries and were admitted to a government hospital. According to party leaders, the violence occurred in the presence of Pulivarthi Vineel, son of TDP MLA Pulivarthi Nani, who was also accused of bringing in outsiders from Tamil Nadu to fuel the unrest.
In Srikalahasti, Tirupati district, a two-wheeler belonging to a YSRCP supporter was allegedly damaged and set on fire near the MPDO office. The opposition party claimed that TDP leaders also threatened its candidates attempting to submit nomination papers.
Jana Sena and Police Accused of Obstruction
YSRCP alleged that Jana Sena MLA Arava Sridhar and other Jana Sena leaders blocked the filing of nominations in Railway Koduru, Tirupati district, with party supporters also reportedly attacked. The opposition accused the police of standing by without intervening at multiple locations.
In Narasaraopet, Palnadu district, police reportedly placed former MLA Brahmanaidu under house arrest, preventing him from accompanying YSRCP candidates during the nomination process. Separately, YSRCP State Executive Council member and Macherla constituency observer Kommineni Venkateswarlu was arrested when he arrived to support candidates filing MPTC nominations in Piduguralla Mandal, Palnadu district.
Nominations Snatched in Macherla
In Macherla, Palnadu district, TDP cadres allegedly attacked YSRCP candidates at the Mandal office and forcibly snatched their nomination papers, effectively blocking them from completing the filing process. YSRCP described this as a deliberate attempt to prevent opposition participation in the electoral exercise.
YSRCP Demands and What Comes Next
The opposition party has demanded immediate protection for all its candidates, swift action against those responsible for the attacks, and an end to what it characterised as police interference in a constitutionally mandated democratic process. MPTC and ZPTC elections in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled for 3 November, leaving a narrow window for the State Election Commission and law enforcement to address the complaints. If the allegations are substantiated, they could become a focal point for opposition mobilisation ahead of the polls.
Point of View
Not merely passive, is a sharper allegation than mere party rivalry; it raises questions about institutional neutrality under the current ruling coalition. Notably, attacks on a former Deputy Chief Minister and the snatching of nomination papers — if verified — would represent a significant escalation beyond typical pre-poll friction. The State Election Commission's response in the coming days will signal whether independent oversight of these polls is credible.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are MPTC and ZPTC elections in Andhra Pradesh?
MPTC (Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency) and ZPTC (Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency) elections are local body polls that determine representation at the mandal and district levels of rural governance in Andhra Pradesh. The current round is scheduled for 3 November, with nominations opening on 21 October.
What did YSRCP allege happened during the nomination process?
YSRCP alleged widespread physical attacks on its candidates and leaders, destruction of nomination papers, illegal arrests, and police complicity across multiple districts including Chittoor, Tirupati, and Palnadu. The party blamed TDP and its coalition partners, including Jana Sena, for orchestrating the violence.
Who is K. Narayana Swamy and what happened to him?
K. Narayana Swamy is a senior YSRCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. According to YSRCP, he was physically attacked by TDP cadres near the Zilla Parishad Chairman's office in Chittoor district on 21 October while facilitating the filing of a ZPTC nomination from Penumuru.
What has YSRCP demanded in response to the alleged attacks?
YSRCP has demanded immediate protection for all its candidates, legal action against those responsible for the violence, and an end to what it described as police interference in the democratic nomination process. Local party leaders also directly confronted police to demand unimpeded access for their candidates.
When are the MPTC and ZPTC elections in Andhra Pradesh scheduled?
The MPTC and ZPTC elections in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled to be held on 3 November. Nomination filing began on 21 October, leaving a narrow window for authorities to address the complaints of violence and obstruction raised by YSRCP.
