TIRUPATI: A tense situation prevailed in Kondapi constituency of Prakasam district when supporters of the ruling YSRC and the opposition Telugu Desam engaged in protests and counter-protests. These events led to the arrest of Telugu Desam MLA Veeranjaneya Swamy and the house arrest of YSRC leader Varikuti Ashokbabu.
Trouble started when YSRC leaders and activists led by Ashok, YSRC’s constituency in-charge, attempted to encircle MLA Veeranjaneya Swamy's residence in Naidupalem. YSRC accused the TD legislator of corruption in the construction of toilets during the previous TD term. They demanded immediate action against the MLA.
A sizable number of YSRC functionaries gathered at the party office in Tangutur, preparing to march towards the MLA's residence. The police arrived and placed Ashok under house arrest. Police force was deployed in strength to prevent a clash.
In response, TD leaders organised a counter-protest against the YSRC.
Led by MLA Swamy, TD supporters planned to lay siege to the residence of YSRC leader Ashok Babu in Tangutur and started marching towards it. The police intervened and halted their march on Highway 16, leading to strong protests from TD men.
The police encountered strong resistance from the supporters of MLA Swamy when they attempted to arrest him.
Despite a scuffle with the MLA's supporters, the police whisked him away in a police vehicle. During the commotion, the MLA's shirt was torn. TD men expressed their anger, alleging bias on the part of the police.
