Supporters of the ruling YSRCP and TDP clashed with each other in Balarampuram village of Kishtupuram panchayat in Srikakulam district’s Kotabommali mandal which led to a heightened tension prevail in the area. Around 150 people from both parties have been injured in the incident. However, the situation came under control with the police dispersing the protesters and rushing those injured to a nearby hospital.
Earlier, too there have been reports of scuffle having broken out between the two groups which led to a tense situation. It is alleged that the YSRCP supporters have targeted the houses of TDP sympathisers. On the other hand, in the first phase of the AP Gram Panchayat polls, YSRCP backed candidate Venkatrao had won as the Sarpanch from Kishtupuram panchayat. Out of the 10 wards in the panchayat, the Telugu Desam party-backed candidates won 6 wards. In this context, Mohan Rao from the TDP has been appointed as Deputy Sarpanch. This led to a conflict with YSRCP supporters questioning why Dharma Rao who earlier held the post was denied the Deputy Sarpanch post this time. It was in this context that the YSRCP supporters have targeted the houses of TDP sympathisers. In the attack, Kailas Rao and Naveen Rao were seriously injured and had to be shifted to the Srikakulam Government Hospital for medical treatment. Later, AP TDP Chief Kinjarapu Atchannaidu visited both the injured persons in the hospital and assured them of all support from the party. The scuffle that took place on Tuesday led to a heightened tension prevail in the area.
