YSRCP condemns attack on ex-Rayachoti vice chairman, demands murder charges
Synopsis
YSRCP has accused the Andhra Pradesh coalition government of orchestrating and shielding a deadly weapon attack on former Rayachoti Municipal Vice Chairman Dasaratha Ramireddy, alleging police complicity and a pattern of selective enforcement that targets opposition while protecting ruling party supporters.
Key Takeaways
YSRCP condemned the alleged attack on former Rayachoti Municipal Vice Chairman Dasaratha Ramireddy on 3 May .
The assault was allegedly carried out by supporters of Minister Ram Prasad Reddy using deadly weapons.
Dasaratha Ramireddy is reportedly battling for his life with severe injuries after prior complaints to police went unheeded.
YSRCP alleges no cases have been registered against the accused despite video evidence.
The party demanded immediate registration of attempt-to-murder charges and swift legal action.
YSRCP accused the government of running a "Red Book regime" targeting opposition voices through misuse of police machinery.
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on 3 May strongly condemned the alleged brutal attack on former Rayachoti Municipal Vice Chairman Dasaratha Ramireddy, calling it a reflection of deteriorating law and order and politically motivated violence in Andhra Pradesh. The party demanded immediate registration of attempt-to-murder charges against the accused and swift police action.
What Happened
YSRCP State General Secretary Gadikota Srikanth Reddy described the assault — allegedly carried out by supporters of Minister Ram Prasad Reddy using deadly weapons — as a "barbaric and undemocratic act." He alleged that attacks on opposition leaders and party workers have sharply increased since the coalition government assumed power in the state.
According to YSRCP, Dasaratha Ramireddy had earlier lodged complaints with CI and DSP officials regarding threats and repeated attacks on his function hall, yet no preventive action was reportedly taken. He is now said to be battling for his life with severe injuries.
YSRCP's Allegations Against Police
YSRCP leader in Lok Sabha P.V. Midhun Reddy stated that the attack was carried out in the presence of police, which he said exposed both their failure and alleged complicity. He alleged that despite clear video evidence, no cases have been registered against the accused.
Srikanth Reddy further accused the government of misusing police machinery to target opposition voices, alleging that a "Red Book regime" has replaced constitutional governance. He claimed false cases are being filed against party workers and those questioning the government face systematic attacks.
The 'Red Book' is a reference to a document carried by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Nara Lokesh during the election campaign, in which he reportedly listed names of individuals alleged to have harassed TDP cadres during YSRCP's rule, declaring they would be brought to justice.
Pattern of Selective Action, Party Alleges
Midhun Reddy alleged a pattern of selective law enforcement, stating that police are aggressively filing multiple cases against YSRCP social media activists while remaining inactive when ruling party supporters carry out violent attacks in broad daylight. He said this double standard was eroding public confidence in the police system.
YSRCP's Demands
The party urged authorities to immediately register attempt-to-murder charges, take strict legal action against those accused in the attack, and restore law and order across the state. YSRCP warned that continued inaction would further embolden such violence and deepen the erosion of public trust in law enforcement institutions. The ruling coalition is yet to officially respond to the allegations.
Point of View
If substantiated, point to a deeply troubling pattern: prior complaints ignored, no FIR despite video evidence, and the victim fighting for his life. What is notable is the invocation of the 'Red Book' — a political accountability tool that YSRCP now frames as a licence for retributive violence. Andhra Pradesh has historically cycled through periods of political vendetta between its dominant parties, and the current coalition's response — or silence — to this incident will signal whether that cycle is repeating. The burden of proof lies on police to demonstrate impartiality, not just on the opposition to allege its absence.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dasaratha Ramireddy and why was he attacked?
Dasaratha Ramireddy is a YSRCP leader and former Rayachoti Municipal Vice Chairman in Andhra Pradesh. According to YSRCP, he was allegedly attacked by supporters of Minister Ram Prasad Reddy using deadly weapons, and is reportedly now battling for his life with severe injuries.
What is YSRCP demanding after the attack?
YSRCP is demanding immediate registration of attempt-to-murder charges against the accused, strict legal action, and restoration of law and order in Andhra Pradesh. The party also wants police to stop what it calls selective enforcement against opposition workers.
What is the 'Red Book' referenced by YSRCP?
The 'Red Book' refers to a document carried by TDP leader Nara Lokesh during the election campaign, reportedly listing names of individuals alleged to have harassed TDP cadres during YSRCP's rule. YSRCP alleges it is now being used to justify targeted violence against its members.
Did police take any action before the attack?
According to YSRCP, Dasaratha Ramireddy had previously complained to CI and DSP officials about threats and repeated attacks on his function hall, but no preventive action was reportedly taken. The party also alleges that no FIR has been registered against the accused even after the attack.
How does YSRCP characterise the current law and order situation in Andhra Pradesh?
YSRCP alleges a sharp increase in attacks on opposition leaders and workers since the coalition government assumed power, accusing it of misusing police to file cases against party activists while shielding ruling party supporters who carry out violent attacks.
