YSRCP leaders staged statewide protests after party leaders were attacked near Penumaka in Amaravati, alleging political violence and misuse of police by the coalition government.
Tadepalli: The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Saturday alleged that an attack on its MLCs, former ministers and senior leaders near Penumaka in the Amaravati capital region had triggered widespread protests across Andhra Pradesh, with party leaders accusing the coalition government of encouraging political violence.
According to the party, several vehicles were damaged during the incident and criminal cases were registered against those who were allegedly attacked. YSRCP leaders claimed the incident reflected a deteriorating law and order situation and accused the government of failing to protect democratic rights.
Former Minister Vellampalli Srinivasa Rao condemned the incident, describing the attack on YSRCP leaders and police personnel as inhuman. He questioned whether Amaravati could be called a people's capital if opposition leaders were allegedly prevented from raising issues concerning farmers. He also alleged that constitutional governance had been replaced by what he termed a "Red Book" culture and warned against the continuation of political violence.
Several party leaders questioned whether Amaravati belonged to all citizens or only to the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Alur MLA Busine Virupakshi alleged that democratic values were under threat and claimed opposition voices were being silenced through intimidation.
Visakhapatnam YSRCP President K.K. Raju alleged that farmers who had refused to part with their lands were facing harassment and that leaders supporting them had become targets. Other YSRCP leaders accused the government of misusing the police machinery, protecting those allegedly involved in the attack and filing counter-cases against the victims.
The party further alleged that the attack was intended to prevent YSRCP leaders from highlighting the concerns of Amaravati farmers and raising questions regarding land acquisition and real estate interests in the capital region.
Demanding action against those responsible, YSRCP leaders alleged that an atmosphere of fear was being created in Amaravati through intimidation and violence. They asserted that the party would continue to support farmers and raise issues concerning their rights despite alleged attacks, threats and criminal cases.
The coalition government has not responded to the allegations contained in the YSRCP statement. The claims made by the opposition party could not be independently verified.
