Violence, clashes and kidnaps mar Andhra Pradesh’s simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha and state assembly

“TDP district in-charge Jagan Mohan Raju complained that TDP agents belonging to polling stations 188, 189 and 199 were kidnapped by YSRCP leaders while going to the polling stations,” said Meena.

Consequently, the CEO noted that Chittoor district election officials and the Police department responded quickly, rescuing the kidnapped agents from Pileru and later enabled them to attend to their duties.

Further, Meena observed that a probe is underway to identify the kidnappers.

Also Read: Andhra police book actor Allu Arjun for MCC violation ahead of polling

Clashes and violence

In another incident, TDP and YSRCP workers clashed at booths 63, 64, and 65 in the Chejarla Mandal, Nellore.

Similar clashes were also reported from Palnadu and Macherla.

#AndhraPradesh: Clashes erupted at polling booths 63, 64, and 65 in the Chejarla Mandal, Nellore between @YSRCParty and @JaiTDP cadre.

As voting for phase four of #LokSabhaElections2024 begins, follow the latest updates, with a special focus on #AndhraPradesh & #Telangana on… pic.twitter.com/ibITKcxFBC

— South First (@TheSouthfirst) May 13, 2024

#AndhraPradesh: Violence reported between @YSRCParty and @JaiTDP cadres at the booths of 239, 240, 241, 242 at Macherla, Rantala village.

As voting for phase four of #LokSabhaElections2024 begins, follow the latest updates, with a special focus on #AndhraPradesh & #Telangana on… pic.twitter.com/rqgkM0kJaa

— South First (@TheSouthfirst) May 13, 2024

While in Tenali, a fight broke out between the voter and YSRCP MLA Annabathina Shiva Kumar, as the voter questioned the MLA for skipping the queue.

Irked by the questioning, the MLA was seen slapping the voter.

In return, the voter slapped back at the MLA, and his supporters stepped in, hitting the voter.

#AndhraPradesh: A voter questioned the incumbent @YSRCParty MLA Annabathina Shiva Kumar fOR skipping the queue in #Tenali. Irked by the questioning, the MLA was seen slapping the voter.

In return, the voter slapped back at the MLA, and his supporters stepped in, hitting the… pic.twitter.com/BOXhwX9wcu

— South First (@TheSouthfirst) May 13, 2024

In Krishnapuram, Chittoor district, YSRCP agent, Suresh, was attacked with a knife. He has been admitted to a government hospital, is undergoing treatment.

Election officials said the assailants were arrested and booked for attempted murder.

In Krishnapuram in Chittoor district, a knife attack took place on @YSRCParty agent Suresh. He was shifted to a government hospital.

The election officials said that the assailants have been arrested after slapping a case of attempt to murder against them.

As voting for phase… pic.twitter.com/lemree0CPG

— South First (@TheSouthfirst) May 13, 2024

Also Read: In battle for Andhra Pradesh, will beneficiaries bail out Jagan Mohan Reddy?

Simultaneous elections

The state has till 9 am recorded, 9.05 percent voter turnout for the Lok Sabha seats while it was 9.21 percent for the Assembly.

The polling is scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm in the state, barring a few places where it will conclude one or two hours earlier.

Governor S Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu along with their respective family members, were among the early voters in Andhra Pradesh on Monday.

The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state.

As part of a seat-sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies while the BJP is contesting from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats.

The actor Pawan Kalyan-led Janasena is contesting two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats.

(With PTI inputs)