Post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh, 1 dead and several injured

The aftermath of the recent Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh has been marred by a surge of political violence, raising concerns across the state. Reports of alleged attacks by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) cadre on members of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), and vice versa, have surfaced, depicting a grim picture of post-election turbulence. The TDP has countered these claims by accusing YSRCP cadre of murdering one of their workers in Bommireddy Palli, Veldurthi mandal of Kurnool district.

Since June 4, the day the votes were counted, tensions have been escalating. Several violent incidents have been reported:

YSRCP cadre was humiliated by supporters of TDP in Mangalagiri Constituency, represented by Nara Lokesh, son of Chandrababu Naidu

In the Pedakurupadu Assembly constituency, YSRCP members faced physical assault, and a house in Bellamkonda mandal, Manne Sultan Palem village, was attacked.

In Krishna district, social media convenor and Machilipatnam minority leader, Asgar Basha, had his office vandalized.

In Vijayawada central assembly, the tailoring shop of YSRCP worker Basha was targeted .

In Nandyala district’s Kolimigandla mandal, Bailum Singavaram village, a YSRCP supporter and their spouse were attacked.

In Srikakulam constituency, Bhairavani Peta village, YSRCP workers were assaulted by the brother of the village sarpanch.

Additionally, there have been incidents of vandalism, such as the defacement of YSR Health Clinic nameplates and the reinstallation of a statue under contentious circumstances.

Former minister and YSRCP leader Perni Naani has publicly accused TDP cadre of physically attacking YSRCP members, criticizing the police for their inaction. This sentiment was echoed by Kodali Nani, who also blamed the TDP for orchestrating targeted attacks against YSRCP supporters, especially in areas like the Mangalagiri constituency where Nara Lokesh, son of TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu, emerged victorious.

One of the most important difficulties for the victorious party following elections is ensuring a seamless power transition. In Andhra Pradesh, claims of physical violence and abuse by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) personnel as well as by YSRCP have led to public worry.