Andhra Pradesh CM Injured by Stones During Election Campaign Roadshow

During a campaign event in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was injured after being hit by stones. The incident occurred on Saturday while Reddy was engaging with the public as part of his "Memanta Siddham - We are all ready" bus tour at the Vivekananda School Centre in Singh Nagar. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed that Reddy suffered a minor injury on the left side of his temple and was promptly taken to Vijayawada Government Hospital on doctors' advice.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed their concerns and wished for Reddy's speedy recovery. Modi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to convey his prayers for Reddy's health, while Stalin emphasized the importance of maintaining civility in politics, despite differences.

Vijayawada Police Commissioner Kanthi Ratan Tata revealed that the authorities are still in pursuit of the assailants but have gathered some clues from video and drone footage. It is believed that the stone was thrown amidst a shower of flower petals aimed at the Chief Minister.

Despite the attack, Reddy continued his campaign after receiving first aid, completing the 14th day of his bus tour. The incident also resulted in minor injuries to senior YSRCP leader V Srinivas, who was near Reddy at the time.

YSRCP leaders have accused the opposition TDP of orchestrating the attack, a charge that TDP has vehemently denied, calling the incident "stage-managed." Meanwhile, reactions from political figures across the spectrum have condemned the violence, highlighting its placelessness in democratic processes.

The attack has sparked protests among YSRCP workers and supporters throughout the state. Chief Minister Reddy is currently on a 21-day election campaign bus tour across Andhra Pradesh, leading up to the state Assembly and Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 13, with vote counting set for June 4.