Journalists Attacked in Andhra Pradesh's Pulivendula Amid Civic Poll ViolenceAn India Today crew was assaulted by an unidentified mob in Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, while covering civic elections that turned violent. The attackers snatched the camera, took away the battery and memory card, and damaged equipment to eliminate recorded footage of alleged stone pelting and booth capturing.
A formal complaint has been registered at the Pulivendula police station, with investigators scanning working CCTV cameras to identify the assailants. Meanwhile, a political blame game erupted between the YSRCP and the TDP.
YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy staged a dharna at the municipal office, alleging that dozens of party polling agents were barred from booths, while both parties traded accusations over the unrest.Pulivendula Local Polls Clash, Jagan Mohan Reddy Criticised Over NominationsA political leader questioned former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy over past election processes in Pulivendula, stating that every ward was made unanimous during his tenure.
The speaker stated that the current administration is ensuring elections take place, even providing police protection to individuals seeking to file nominations. The speaker asserted that no candidates were prevented from filing nominations in Pulivendula, while accusing the opposition of burning vehicles, attacking people, and creating law and order issues.Pulivendula Violence: Media Crew Attacked; YSRCP & TDP Trade ChargesA political war of words has erupted in Pulivendula following incidents of violence and allegations of voter intimidation.
YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy met and consoled India Today reporter Abdul Basheer and camera person Vijay after they were allegedly attacked near polling booths. Jagan blamed the TDP for orchestrating attacks against the media team.
In response, the TDP levelled counter-allegations against the YSRCP, accusing the party of premeditating violence over three days by mobilising individuals with stones and sticks to target political opponents. A speaker highlighted widespread voter disruption, claiming voters and polling agents were prevented from entering polling stations across multiple constituencies, including Pulivendula and Kuppam.Pulivendula Civic Polls Turn Violent: India Today Crew Assaulted, Camera SmashedA reporting crew from India Today was assaulted by unidentified goons during civic poll coverage in Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh.
Reporter Abdul Basheer and cameraperson Vijay were targeted while covering the elections, which witnessed violent clashes. The assailants, seen carrying sticks and lathis, assaulted the crew members, smashed their professional camera, and snatched their mobile phones.