Sporadic clashes mar MPTC/ZPTC elections in Kurnool, Nandyal and Anantapur districts

Elections to the ZPTC and MPTC in Kurnool, Nandyal and Anantapur districts were largely peaceful except for sporadic incidents of clashes, disruption of the electoral process and allegations of malpractice.

According to preliminary data released by the district administrations, Nandyal registered 73.63% voting, while the polling percentage was 68.23% in Kurnool and 64.83% in Anantapur.

In Kurnool combined constituency, elaborate arrangements have been made for 19,37,707 voters to exercise their franchise in 2,670 polling stations. Polling began at 7 am and continued till 5 pm and nearly 13.59 lakh people exercised their franchise in the two districts.

In Kurnool district, Kallur mandal recorded the highest polling percentage of 81.79 while the lowest 54.44% was registered in Kosigi mandal. Elections were held for 26 ZPTC and 358 MPTC territorial constituencies, while 74 MPTC seats were unanimous.

In Nandyal district, the total number of votes was 6,88,495, of which over 5.07 lakh were subsidized. Bandi Atmakur mandal recorded the highest 80.03 percent polling while Uyyalawada recorded the lowest 67.33%. Elections were held for 20 out of 28 ZPTC constituencies and 224 out of 377 MPTC constituencies.

In Gummanur village of Chippagiri mandal in Kurnool district, rival groups clashed and threw stones at each other over the appointment of survey agents. There was tension in the village and the police had to intervene to bring the situation under control. Tension broke out in Hosur village of Pathikonda mandal when police tried to take YSRCP leader Banagani Srinivas to the police station, which was resisted by party supporters. Police resorted to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control.

Minor incidents were also reported in Chippagiri, Muchumarri village, Kolimigunla and Dinne Devarapadu constituencies in Kurnool mandal. In Dinne Devarapau, a supporter of an independent candidate allegedly assaulted a constable under the influence of alcohol.

In Anantapur, a government teacher Haritha, assigned on polling duty, fell ill in the polling booth and died at Kadadarukunta in Kudair mandal. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and others expressed grief over Haritha’s death while she was performing election duties.

Published – 05 Nov 2026 21:29 IST