YSRCP seeks President's intervention against organised violence by TDP and Jana Sena cadres in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: YSR Congress Parliamentary Party leader V Vijayasai Reddy has sought the intervention of President of India Droupadi Murmu to stop the 'widespread organised violence' against YSRCP supporters allegedly by cadres of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party in Andhra Pradesh.

In a detailed letter to the President, Vijayasai Reddy highlighted a series of violent incidents that have reportedly taken place since the announcement of the General Election schedule, leading to large-scale atrocities, particularly targeting backward classes.

He expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence, alleging that the TDP leadership and their allies have engaged in hate crimes, including incitement to violence and rhetorical hate speeches. According to Vijayasai Reddy, the election campaign of the TDP alliance has been marked by derogatory remarks against YSRCP members, labelling them as "Psychos, Murderers, Terrorists, Human Traffickers, Drug Peddlers, Sand and Mining Mafia," among other defamatory terms.

The letter outlines numerous incidents of violence across multiple Assembly Constituencies, particularly in areas where TDP candidates have significant influence. He listed out 27 incidents of violence against the YSRCP leaders and supporters.

In Eluru district, a mob led by TDP activist Nukala Sai attacked YSRCP councillor Nadakuduru Girish with a knife, attempting to kill him. In Guntur district, in the Lakshmipuram area, Janasena Party activists stormed a private hostel, attacking the owner and forcing him to kneel and apologise publicly. In Tenali of Guntur district, YSRCP leader Kalidasa Sathyam was assaulted in broad daylight on Bose Road, suffering nine stab wounds.

Similarly, in Sattenapalli of Palnadu district, TDP leaders attacked a YSRCP activist at his home after midnight, a violent incident captured on CCTV. In the Guntur West constituency, TDP workers vandalised the office of YSRCP candidate Vidadala Rajini and attacked the family members of YSRCP leader Mustafa's brother. In Tadikonda mandal of Guntur district, TDP activists demolished a statue of former CM Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy.

Vijayasai Reddy also highlighted threats and violent actions against vulnerable communities, including SCs, STs and BCs. He noted that TDP cadres have been instrumental in threatening YSRCP sympathisers to leave their homes and have even used JCB vehicles to demolish houses in villages predominantly inhabited by these communities.

The letter further alleged that the police had been passive observers of the violence, failing to maintain law and order due to pressure from the TDP Alliance. He claimed that police inaction has emboldened TDP activists to continue their violent spree. He detailed several specific incidents, such as in Palnadu district, The Kocharla Secretariat was attacked and its plaque destroyed by TDP and Jana Sena workers. In Kondur SC Colony, TDP activists clashed with YSRCP workers, resulting in multiple injuries. In Chittoor district, TDP activists vandalised the office of Raghava Construction, set a warehouse of cigarettes worth Rs. 1 crore on fire, and razed hotels and bakeries belonging to YSRCP activists. Likewise, in Tirupati district, TDP activists attempted to kill YSRCP State Minority Cell General Secretary Mastan, who was attacked with knives and rods.

Vijayasai Reddy's letter also mentioned vandalism and destruction of YSRCP properties, including statues, secretariats, and health clinics. He cited cases where TDP activists attacked YSRCP leaders, their families, and sympathisers, leading to severe injuries and, in one case, suicide due to relentless harassment.

The YSRCP leader urged the President of India to intervene immediately in the issue. He urged the State Police and Home Ministry to take cognisance of the organised violence and register FIRs against the perpetrators. He stressed the importance of identifying these miscreants through publicly available videos and photos and ensuring justice is served.