Tension in Kurnool as TDP supporters ‘disrupt’ YSRCP leader’s election campaign

Mild tension prevailed for some time in Kurnool town during the election campaign after some persons, allegedly associated with TDP, tried to stop and assault former Kurnool MLA and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader MA Hafeez Khan in Ward 16 on Monday.

Mr. Hafeez Khan visited Vaddegiri locality on 16th to campaign for his party candidate. According to YSRCP leaders, some locals claiming to be TDP activists allegedly abused Mr. Hafeez Khan, thwarted the party’s election campaign and threatened to harm their leader as well as those accompanying him.

The police immediately intervened and expelled Mr. Hafeez Khan from the locality. An enraged Mr Hafeez Khan returned to the car and challenged the alleged assailants, but the police persuaded him to leave the scene.

Mr. Hafeez Khan later lodged a complaint with the One City Police and sought action against those responsible for the incident.

Bharath reacts

Reacting strongly to the allegations made by the former MLA, Industries and Commerce Minister TG Bharath Gupta said that YSRCP leaders are making false allegations against the NDA for political gain.

Addressing the media during his election campaign for NDA candidates in Kurnool on Monday, Mr. Bharath alleged that the YSRCP leader failed to handle the situation when the public questioned him during his campaign. “Instead of answering the public’s questions, he lashed out and started criticizing the TDP leader. When the public asks questions, we should answer but it is not appropriate to hit on them,” he said.

He alleged that the YSRCP leaders are resorting to criticism because they cannot bear the growing popularity of the coalition government among the people. “YSRCP leaders are responsible for the murders that have taken place in Kurnool in the last two years. Our party activists have lost their lives in attacks by YSRCP leaders. It is unacceptable that YSRCP leaders are trying to incite tension in Kurnool,” he said, adding that people in public life should act with patience and tolerance.

As an opposition party, the YSRCP should focus on highlighting public issues rather than creating unnecessary controversies, Mr. Bharath said.

Published – 26 Oct 2026 20:22 IST