YSRCP, NDA leaders clash over alleged poll irregularities in Visakhapatnam
Allegations of electoral irregularities sparked heated exchanges and confrontations between YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and NDA leaders at several polling stations across Visakhapatnam during the local body elections on Sunday, prompting police to step in and prevent the situation from escalating.
Tension prevailed at polling booth No. 5 in Ward 37 under the South Assembly constituency after YSRCP leaders accused polling personnel of favouring an NDA candidate and attempting to influence voters.
YSRCP mayoral candidate Varudu Kalyani, former MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar and other party leaders got into a verbal spat with NDA leaders over the alleged irregularities. The District Collector intervened and brought the situation under control.
Speaking to reporters, Kalyani alleged that the YSRCP corporator candidate was initially denied entry into the polling booth, even though candidates are permitted to visit polling stations.
She said she rushed to the polling station after learning of the incident but was also prevented from entering at first.
“I immediately contacted the Collector, following which I was allowed inside after some time. However, the officials repeatedly asked me to leave within a minute of entering the booth. Their behaviour gave me the impression that some anti-social activity was taking place inside,” she alleged.
Ganesh Kumar also accused polling personnel of favouring the NDA candidate. He alleged that an election official was gesturing in a manner that appeared to signal to voters that they should vote for the “glass” symbol.
In Ward 26, NDA leaders levelled counter-allegations against former Jana Sena Party corporator P.L.V.N. Murthy, who is contesting as an Independent candidate. They alleged that he was carrying election-related material intended to influence voters.
Meanwhile, a confrontation broke out between supporters of Kalyani and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Ward 29 under the East Assembly constituency. The incident reportedly occurred as Kalyani was returning after casting her vote at a polling station in the area.
A brief argument between the rival groups led to tension before police personnel deployed at the polling station dispersed them.
A similar confrontation was reported at Jodugullapalem in Ward 12, where YSRCP and NDA leaders argued heatedly, prompting police to step in and restore order.
Altercations were also reported in Wards 78 and 92, where supporters of the rival parties clashed over election-related issues. Police intervened at both locations and pacified the groups.
The incidents underscored the tensions between the rival parties during polling, with both sides accusing each other of attempting to influence voters and violating electoral norms.