Tension gripped the Muthyalampadu area of Vijayawada on Thursday (August 6, 2026) after workers and supporters of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) clashed, prompting heavy police deployment.

The YSRCP had launched a hunger strike protest under the leadership of former MLA Malladi Vishnu, seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the DSC-2025 recruitment process.

The situation turned tense when TDP leaders, led by Vijayawada (Central) MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao, arrived at the protest site and alleged that the hunger strike camp had been set up without official permission. They also accused YSRCP members of making objectionable remarks against HRD Minister Nara Lokesh.

The two sides exchanged accusations and heated arguments, which escalated into scuffles. Tensions rose further after TDP workers allegedly removed the tent erected for the protest, and YSRCP workers tried to stop them. Mr. Umamaheswara Rao reportedly put up a flex banner expressing gratitude to Mr. Lokesh at the spot where the protest had been held.

Police personnel, deployed in large numbers, intervened and brought the situation under control. They took Mr. Vishnu into custody, saying the protest was being conducted without the necessary permission, and moved him to a police station. YSRCP leaders alleged that individuals carrying TDP flags attacked him while he was being taken from the protest site. The police later cleared the hunger strike camp and dispersed the YSRCP supporters gathered there.

TDP Mahila wing activists, meanwhile, staged a sit-in at the site, carrying yellow party flags and printed placards featuring TDP leaders, and raising slogans including “Down Down YCP”. The protesters blocked roads, and the police, along with special security forces, moved into the crowd to restrain them and prevent them from marching further or blocking main thoroughfares. Several activists, women and men, sat on the road and resisted attempts to move them into security vehicles. Some who tried to breach barricades were rounded up, along with local leaders, and taken into preventive custody.

The police then attempted to clear the blockade and restore traffic flow. Women police officers stepped in to remove protesters sitting on the road, leading to heated exchanges and some shoving. Several women activists refused to disperse and sat firmly on the ground, and the police lifted and detained the key organisers. As onlookers and media personnel gathered at the scene, the police cordoned the protest area with ropes and makeshift barricades.

No major injuries were reported, and security was tightened in the area to prevent further disturbances.

Relay hunger strikes in Visakhapatnam

The YSRCP launched relay hunger strikes at multiple locations in Visakhapatnam under the party’s AP Gen-Z WAR campaign. The protests also sought the resignation of Nara Lokesh, holding him morally responsible for the alleged irregularities.. The party further sought the immediate release of pending fee reimbursement dues and payment of ₹3,000 as unemployment allowance.

Former Visakhapatnam South MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar began a three-day relay hunger strike at the Gandhi statue near the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) office. The programme, scheduled from August 6 to 8 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., includes speeches and protest activities. Students dressed in black stood beside the organisers, raising slogans in support. Cultural performances also formed part of the campaign, including a Telugu classical dance ballet and a skit featuring Lord Yamaraj and Chitragupta, staged to highlight the party’s allegations over the recruitment process.

In Visakhapatnam North, the party organised a relay hunger strike at Satyam Junction on NH-16 under the leadership of district president and constituency coordinator K.K. Raju. Students, youth and YSRCP workers took part in the programme. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Raju alleged that more than three lakh unemployed candidates had appeared for the DSC examination and that the coalition government had altered Government Orders and the recruitment results after the examination, besides introducing a sports quota, resulting in injustice to candidates. He said the party would continue its agitation under the leadership of Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy until Mr. Lokesh resigned.

Similar protests were also held in the East Assembly constituency near Lansum Square at Isukathota under the leadership of constituency coordinator Molli Apparao.

In Gajuwaka, constituency coordinator Tippala Srinivasa Devan Reddy announced a four-day schedule of relay hunger strikes from August 6 to 9 at Pedagantyada, Kurmannapalem, Old Gajuwaka and BHPV junctions. The protests are being organised with participation from party leaders, ward representatives and cadre.

Published - August 06, 2026 03:05 pm IST