A wave of violence, intimidation, and political sabotage has swept across multiple regions in Andhra Pradesh, orchestrated by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to manipulate local by-elections, particularly the Mandal Parishad President (MPP) polls. TDP leaders, including former minister Paritala Sunitha and her son Paritala Sriram, resorting to thuggery and coercion to undermine democracy, especially in areas where they lack electoral strength.
- Ramagiri, Chittoor District: Obstruction and Postponement of MPP Election
In Ramagiri mandal, the MPP election, reserved for women, was thrown into disarray due to TDP’s interference. Despite the YSRCP holding 9 out of 10 MPTC seats, the TDP, with only one male MPTC member and no eligible female candidate, attempted to sway YSRCP members. On Thursday, March 27, 2025, six YSRCP MPTCs traveling from Bengaluru to Ramagiri for the election were intercepted by police at the Bagepalli toll plaza on the Karnataka-Andhra border. Acting on High Court orders to provide security, the police advised some members to turn back while escorting others. However, by the time the escorted MPTCs reached the Ramagiri MPDP office, the nomination deadline had lapsed. Presiding Officer Sanjeevaiah postponed the election to the next day, citing the delay.
Meanwhile, Ramagiri Sub-Inspector Sudhakar Yadav, recently returned from leave, facilitated video calls between TDP leaders Paritala Sunitha and Sriram and the YSRCP MPTCs. The TDP reportedly offered positions and money while issuing threats, but the YSRCP members stood firm, refusing to defect. The TDP’s plan faltered as they lacked a candidate, and the election remained stalled.
- Penukonda, Anantapur District: Kidnapping of MPTC Member Bharati
The unrest spilled over to Penukonda on the same day. After the Ramagiri postponement, police escorted the YSRCP MPTCs to the Penukonda Tahsildar’s office for legal proceedings. However, TDP activists executed a premeditated move, abducting Peruru-2 MPTC member Bharati, a Dalit woman, by forcibly bundling her into a vehicle and fleeing. The apparent intent was to coerce her into switching parties and filing a nomination for the MPP post. Former Raptadu MLA Topudurthi Prakash Reddy attempted to intervene at the Tahsildar’s office but was blocked by police. TDP cadres also tried to attack YSRCP supporters, escalating tensions.
In response, YSRCP district president Usha Sricharan and ZP chairperson Boya Girijamma staged a sit-in protest at Ambedkar Circle, condemning the police for handing Bharati over to TDP activists. They accused the police of conspiring with the TDP to sow factionalism in the peaceful Penukonda region, shouting slogans like before being forcibly dispersed by authorities.
- Kambadur, Anantapur District: Violence and Disruption of MPP Election
In Kambadur mandal, the MPP election descended into chaos as TDP leaders unleashed violence to secure the post. On election day, TDP activists, armed with chili powder and stones, attacked the vehicles of the DSP and RDO, disrupted electricity for 30 minutes, and abducted Ontareddy Palli YSRCP MPTC member Enumula Somasekhar. Amid the polling, DRalla Anantapur MPTC member K. Mulakanur and MPTC Thimmarajamma tore up a resolution submitted by YSRCP members supporting Lakshmi Devi’s candidacy, sparking confusion. The presiding officer, Maddileti, fell ill during the melee and was rushed to Kambadur Government Hospital, then transferred to Anantapur General Hospital.
Joint Collector Shivnarayan Sharma intervened, appointing Shettur Tehsildar Eswariah Shetty as the new election officer. Despite the disruptions, K. Lakshmi Devi was unanimously declared MPP, though the TDP’s aggressive tactics, including offers of Rs. 3-4 lakh per MPTC, cast a shadow over the process.
- Attili, West Godavari District: Road Blockades and Intimidation
In Attili, West Godavari, TDP activists blocked roads to prevent YSRCP MPTCs from attending the MPP election, marking the second consecutive day of stalled polls in the district. The blockade, combined with threats, ensured YSRCP members could not reach the polling station, effectively paralyzing the process.
- Yelamanchili, West Godavari District:
In Yelamanchili, a violent clash erupted between TDP and YSRCP supporters during the MPP election. The presiding officer, overwhelmed by the chaos, reportedly fainted and collapsed, further delaying proceedings.
- Narsaraopeta and Karampudi, Palnadu District: Quorum issues
In Narsaraopeta and Karampudi, vice-MPP elections were deferred due to the absence of a quorum, with TDP intimidating YSRCP members to abstain, disrupting the democratic process.
- Gopalavaram, West Godavari District: High Drama Halts Deputy Sarpanch Election
In Gopalavaram, TDP’s theatrical tactics led to the cancellation of the deputy sarpanch election. Their disruptive behavior forced officials to suspend the poll, mirroring the pattern of interference seen elsewhere.
- Gandlapenta, Anantapur District: YSRCP absence amid TDP rowdyism
In Gandlapenta, YSRCP MPTCs boycotted the MPP election, citing TDP-orchestrated violence and threats. The absence of YSRCP members, intimidated by TDP’s rowdyism, led to yet another postponement.
YSRCP has pointed to a systemic pattern of TDP aggression, particularly in Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Kuppam constituency and its surrounding areas. The Paritala family, Paritala Sunitha and Sriram, directed SI Sudhakar Yadav to act as a TDP operative, evident in his coordination with the party and the suspicious timing of his return from leave. In Ramagiri, where YSRCP’s Meenuga Nagamma previously held the MPP post until her death, the TDP’s failure to field a female candidate underscored their reliance on coercion rather than legitimate electoral strength.
Former minister Karumuri staged a protest outside his residence in West Godavari, deploying daily wage workers to highlight TDP’s disruptions. The YSRCP has accused the police of complicity, with Usha Sricharan questioning, “Are they working for justice or the TDP ?” Topudurthi Prakash Reddy demanded SI Yadav shed his uniform for a TDP scarf if his allegiance lies with the Paritala family.
Across Chittoor, Anantapur, West Godavari, and Palnadu districts, the TDP’s reign of terror, marked by abductions, road blockades, violence, and police collusion, has derailed local democracy. With elections postponed in Ramagiri, Gandlapenta, Attili, Narsaraopeta, Karampudi, and Gopalavaram by irregularities in Kambadur and Yelamanchili, the YSRCP has vowed to seek justice through the High Court. In Naidu’s own constituency, the seeds of factionalism have been sown anew, leaving residents wary and democracy in trouble.
