YSRCP condemns attack on ex-Rayachoti vice chairman, demands murder charges
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on 3 May strongly condemned the alleged brutal assault on former Rayachoti Municipal Vice Chairman Dasaratha Ramireddy, calling it a direct reflection of deteriorating law and order in Andhra Pradesh and demanding immediate registration of attempt-to-murder charges against the accused.
The Attack and Key Allegations
YSRCP State General Secretary Gadikota Srikanth Reddy described the assault as a "barbaric and undemocratic act," alleging it was carried out by supporters of Minister Ram Prasad Reddy using deadly weapons. He claimed that attacks on opposition leaders and party workers have sharply increased since the coalition government assumed power in the state.
YSRCP leader in Lok Sabha, P.V. Midhun Reddy, alleged the attack was carried out in the presence of police, pointing to what he called "failure and alleged complicity" on the part of law enforcement. He stated that Dasaratha Ramireddy had earlier filed complaints with CI and DSP officials regarding threats and repeated attacks on his function hall, yet no preventive action was taken. The victim is reportedly battling for life with severe injuries.
No FIR Despite Video Evidence, Says YSRCP
P.V. Midhun Reddy expressed outrage that despite clear video evidence of the incident, no cases have been registered against the accused. He demanded that authorities act swiftly and register attempt-to-murder charges without further delay.
The party also alleged a broader pattern of selective policing — accusing the administration of aggressively filing multiple cases against YSRCP social media activists while remaining inactive when ruling party supporters allegedly carry out violent attacks in broad daylight.
The 'Red Book' Controversy
Gadikota Srikanth Reddy accused the government of replacing constitutional governance with what he termed a "Red Book regime," alleging that false cases are being filed against opposition workers and vulnerable sections of society. The "Red Book" is a reference to a book reportedly carried by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Nara Lokesh during the election campaign, which he claimed contained names of individuals who harassed TDP cadres during YSRCP rule, vowing to bring them to justice.
YSRCP's Warning and Demands
YSRCP warned that continued inaction by authorities would further erode public trust in the police system and embolden politically motivated violence. The party urged the state government to act immediately to restore law and order and ensure justice for Dasaratha Ramireddy.
This comes amid a broader political climate in Andhra Pradesh where the ruling coalition and the opposition have repeatedly traded accusations of state-sponsored targeting since the change of government. How the administration responds to these demands is likely to set the tone for political relations in the state in the weeks ahead.