TDP, YSRCP activists clash in Punganur on first day of nominations; Rajampet MP Midhun Reddy’s convoy attacked

Tension gripped Punganur town in Andhra Pradesh’s Annamayya district on Friday, October 16, 2026, as workers of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) clashed on the opening day of nominations for the October 28 urban local body elections. Stones were hurled by both sides, several people — including police personnel — were injured, and at least four cars were vandalised when the convoy of Rajampet MP P.V. Midhun Reddy came under attack near the nomination centre, according to officials and party leaders.

Clashes erupt amid nomination process

The filing of nominations for municipal corporations and municipalities began across the State on Friday. In Punganur, where the municipality has 36 wards and a direct election is being held to elect the Chairperson, rival party workers converged at the municipal office as candidates arrived to submit their papers.

MP P.V. Midhun Reddy, who had accompanied YSRCP candidates to the nomination centre, was escorted away by police and party workers after his convoy was targeted with stones, sticks and iron rods. Windows of several vehicles in the convoy were smashed, and chaos ensued as supporters from both parties engaged in stone-pelting.

Local stakes and political backdrop

Punganur is considered a stronghold of former Minister and sitting MLA Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy of the YSRCP. His son, Mr. Midhun Reddy, represents the Rajampet Lok Sabha constituency, under which Punganur falls. With the municipal polls slated for October 28 in 100 urban local bodies statewide, the first day of nominations drew large crowds of supporters from both parties, heightening tensions in the town.

Conflicting accounts of how the violence began

YSRCP leaders said the clash began as they were proceeding with Mr. Midhun Reddy to file nominations. Punganur MLA Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy alleged that TDP activists attacked the convoy and attempted to prevent YSRCP candidates from reaching the office.

The TDP, in turn, maintained that the MP arrived with a large convoy even after being cautioned by police and that when TDP leaders protested, YSRCP workers pelted stones. Both parties acknowledged that their workers were among the injured. Police personnel on duty were also hurt in the melee.

Accusations and political reactions

Mr. Ramachandra Reddy blamed Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh for what he described as pre-poll violence in Punganur and other parts of the State. The YSRCP, describing Friday’s incident as a “murderous attack” on Mr. Midhun Reddy, accused the TDP government of allowing its cadres to use violence to silence opposition candidates and disrupt the electoral process.

The party also cited attempts to block the convoy and intimidate its nominees, asserting that the assault was intended to thwart the filing of nominations by YSRCP candidates in Punganur. On social media, YSRCP handles circulated images and messages condemning the violence and naming local TDP leaders as responsible, while TDP supporters shared their own accounts alleging provocation by the ruling party’s workers at the scene.

Demands for intervention and law-and-order response

Calling for urgent action, the YSRCP demanded that the State Election Commission (SEC) intervene immediately. The party asked the SEC to direct police to register criminal cases, arrest those responsible for the attack and take action against officials who failed to prevent the violence.

Law enforcement authorities said additional forces were rushed to Punganur to restore order and prevent any further escalation. Police escorted Mr. Midhun Reddy to safety amid the unrest and began assessing damage to vehicles and injuries reported by both parties and on-duty personnel.

What’s next

With nominations for the October 28 municipal elections now underway, officials said security would be stepped up at sensitive locations, including nomination centres, to ensure candidates and their supporters can file papers without intimidation. Further details on FIRs, arrests and the status of injured personnel and activists were awaited as the situation stabilized late on Friday.

The clashes in Punganur underscore the high political stakes surrounding the local body elections, particularly in constituencies where party heavyweights and close family members hold sway. Authorities have urged restraint from all sides as the nomination process continues in the coming days.