Former Andhra Pradesh minister Vidadala Rajini lay on the ground outside her Chilakaluripet residence, allegedly after a police officer pushed her toward a sharp-edged stone. The incident occurred while Rajini, currently under house arrest, attempted to distribute B-Forms to MPTC and ZPTC candidates. YSRCP claims the violence erupted when police prevented Yadlapadu ZPTC candidate and Dalit leader Pandula Bullabbayi from entering the premises. When Rajini questioned the restriction on her own property, Chilakaluripet Rural SI Priyanka intervened, the party stated. "What crime did Rajini commit? Meeting our candidates? Providing B-Forms?" YSRCP asked in a public statement, accusing the police of acting on direct orders from TDP leaders to obstruct its candidates. The party has formally complained that the state is undermining democratic rights and has demanded an immediate, independent probe into the conduct of the local police force.
This localized altercation is part of a broader pattern of unrest across the state. Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta confirmed that 31 election-related incidents occurred across 13 districts on Thursday. The breakdown includes 22 cases of violence, clashes, or public order disturbances, and nine instances where nomination papers were snatched or torn. Anantapur district recorded the highest number of incidents with eight, followed by Annamayya, Kadapa, Prakasam, and Tirupati with three each. DGP Gupta noted that six incidents involved stone pelting or attacks with sticks, while four vehicles were set on fire.
The State Election Commission, headed by Anil Chandra Punetha, is currently managing the nomination process under judicial oversight. The SEC has extended the nomination procedure in four Urban Local Bodies—Kadapa Municipal Corporation, Rajampet Municipality, Mydukuru Municipality, and Tirupati Municipal Corporation—in compliance with Supreme Court orders. YSRCP has called on the SEC to ensure the safety of its candidates and stop what it describes as unlawful interference. The party placed the onus on Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to answer for the conduct of the police under his government, citing continuing complaints of obstruction throughout the local body elections.