Clash between YSRC and JSP leads to tension in Kakinada

Kakinada: Tension prevailed in Kakinada town of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday after YSR Congress Party and JanaSena Party members pelted stones at each other. Alleged derogatory comments against JanaSena president Pawan Kalyan by local MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy triggered the clash, said sources.

Many members of both parties were reportedly injured in the clash and were admitted to various hospitals, including private facilities. Their condition is said to be stable.

The drama unfolded near Bhanugudi centre during a rally by JSP members protesting the remarks of MLA Reddy. Sources said YSRCP supporters allegedly hurled stones at their rivals as they approached Reddy's house. The JSP supporters were also attacked with sticks, which prompted them to retaliate with stones. As chaos ensued, the police deployed forces in all the strategic locations to prevent any untoward incidents.

JSP supporters alleged that the police did not take steps to prevent the clash despite there being chances of an attack on them by YSRCP men near Reddy's house. JanaSena Political Affairs Committee member and chief spokesperson Kandula Durgesh said their cadres were taking a peaceful rally and some party workers had simply tried to squat in front of the MLA’s house in protest.

The spokesperson said the "goons of the MLA were well prepared with stones and sticks" and attacked JSP cadres indiscriminately. The hand of a female JSP leader got fractured due to the assault, he said. Cases were registered against several party workers.

Kandula Durgesh said that YSRCP workers even obstructed injured JSP workers from receiving treatment at Kakinada Government General Hospital, forcing them to admit many injured to private hospitals in the town.

Peddapuram DSP Srinivasa Rao said that the trouble started when the JanaSena rally was about 200 metres from the MLA’s house. Three Town Inspector Rama Koteswara Rao said cases will be slapped on those who tried to attack the legislator's home.