In the aftermath of polling closure, confrontations persist in various constituencies across Palnadu and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh. The incumbents of the ruling YSRCP, implicated in myriad transgressions over the past quinquennium, evince escalating agitation subsequent to the general election balloting.
Predominantly in Macherla and Gurajala assembly sectors, purported assaults unfold, allegedly instigated by YSRCP functionaries. Accusations from TDP cadres point fingers at YSRCP officials for victimizing voters who didn’t cast ballots in favor of their party’s nominees.
Prohibitory Measures Enacted: District Administrator Shiv Shankar of Palnadu has enforced Section 144 within the district due to sustained incidents following the polling exercise. Law enforcement concentrates efforts notably in Macherla, Gurajala, and Narasaraopet precincts. Enhanced police presence is evident amidst skirmishes in Karampudi and Kothaganeshunipadu, with 19 police units mobilized to these zones.
IG Sarvashrestha Tripathi of Guntur Range and District Superintendent Bindumadhav of Palnadu are stationed in Macherla, overseeing the situation. Substantial police deployment characterizes Macherla constituency, with vehicular inspections conducted at town entry points.
Narasaraopet’s Kasu Mahesh Reddy, MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, and Venkatarami Reddy of Macherla find themselves under house arrest. Superintendent Bindumadhav mandates no assembly exceeding three individuals under Section 144, assuring minimal disruption to civilian life while warning of stringent reprisals for illicit conduct.
Police Intervention: Ongoing altercations prompt law enforcement to resort to baton charges, resulting in the detention of demonstrators congregating at the residences of former MLA JC Prabhakar Reddy and MLA Kethireddy Peddareddy. Among those injured in the altercation, Kiran Kumar and two others, followers of JC Prabhakar Reddy, received treatment at a local government hospital before being transferred to a private facility in Anantapur for further medical attention.
This enforcement action, purportedly orchestrated by DSP Chaitanya, previously implicated in favoritism toward the YSRCP, prompts the relocation of JC Prabhakar Reddy and Peddareddy to different locales to preempt additional clashes. Road closures deter partisans from both factions from accessing Tadipatri town, fortified by Section 144 directives and heightened security protocols.