Tadepalli, Feb 17: YSRCP leaders, Former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu and Kasu Mahesh Reddy, have strongly condemned the undemocratic actions and intimidation tactics being employed by the TDP in the ongoing municipal by-polls. Addressing the media separately, they said TDP is undermining democracy through violence, coercion, and false cases, particularly in the context of municipal elections, and warned of the severe consequences of such actions for the state's democratic health.
TJR Sudhakar Babu called out TDP for using force and intimidation to manipulate municipal elections, including securing vice-chairperson positions despite lacking majority. He highlighted how TDP leaders resorted to violence against YSRCP councilors, including kidnappings, house demolitions, and threats, to ensure their hold on power.
He further emphasized the complicity of local police, who failed to intervene, allowing illegal activities to continue unchecked. He expressed concern that these tactics represent a dangerous disregard for constitutional principles and warned that the people of Andhra Pradesh would soon deliver a fitting verdict against TDP's undemocratic practices.
Kasu Mahesh Reddy echoed similar sentiments, criticizing TDP for its hypocrisy and descent into regressive politics. He recalled the 100 percent victory YSRCP achieved in municipal elections under the leadership of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan, contrasting this with TDP’s failure to uphold democratic principles. Mahesh Reddy specifically highlighted the incidents in Pedakurapadu, where TDP leaders orchestrated attacks on YSRCP councilors, including the kidnapping and intimidation of councillors, and even the ransacking of one councillor’s house. He praised the resilience of 29th Ward Councillor Munira and her family for standing firm with YSRCP despite facing intimidation and threats.
Further detailing TDP's undemocratic behavior, Mahesh Reddy accused the party of threatening the Municipal Chairman in Pedakurapadu, warning him of dire consequences, such as locking down his factory, unless he complied with TDP’s demands. He expressed deep concern about the growing anarchy and false cases being filed by TDP across the state and condemned the party for resorting to coercive tactics to secure power.
Both leaders emphasized that while TDP’s tactics might yield temporary gains, they will not succeed in the long term. Sudhakar Babu and Mahesh Reddy assured that the YSRCP, backed by the unwavering support of the people, is determined to emerge victorious in the upcoming local body elections and to continue safeguarding democratic values. They called on the citizens of Andhra Pradesh to stand with YSRCP to defeat these regressive forces and ensure a future of progressive governance that upholds the principles of democracy.
The two leaders urged the people to remain vigilant and united in the face of TDP’s undemocratic practices, especially in the context of municipal by-elections, and to ensure that democracy in the state is preserved and protected.
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