TDP accuses YSRCP of inciting violence in Kurnool; YSRCP alleges TDP foisting false cases

TDP and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders staged protests in Kurnool on Thursday, blaming each other for alleged attacks on their cadres, leading to tense moments in the city.

While TDP alleged that YSRCP was attacking its activists, YSRCP alleged that its own cadre were being harassed and false cases were filed against them. YSRCP demanded that harassment against its cadres should be stopped immediately. While both sides announced their protests, police issued prohibitory orders on Wednesday night and warned of action against unauthorized protests or gatherings.

Kurnool Urban Development Authority (KUDA) Chairman Somisetty Venkateswarlu, who attended the protest at the Gandhi statue near Collectorate against the alleged murder attempt by YSRCP leaders on the party’s 23rd ward in-charge Sunil, accused YSRCP leaders SV Mohan Reddy and Byreddy Siddharth Reddy of trying to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the city. “It is unfortunate that YSRCP leaders have leveled allegations that Industry and Commerce Minister and Kurnool MLA TG Bharath Gupta is indulging in vindictive policies while they themselves are conspiring to create trouble in the city,” Mr. Venkateswaralu said.

Mr. Venkateswarlu said Mr. Bharath has been focusing on development since assuming office as the Minister. He alleged that YSRCP leaders should unnecessarily blame the Minister for the legal action taken against the YSRCP for police misbehavior during their previous five-year regime. Mr. Venkateswarlu said that Mr. Bharath, as well as his father and former Minister TG Venkatesh, played constructive policies instead of destructive policies promoted by the YSRCP and its leadership.

Mr. Venkateswarlu said the TDP would never abuse its power and use the police to make illegal arrests, adding that they would never be intimidated by threats and bullying.

On the other hand, referring to his party’s protest against registration of illegal cases, YSRCP youth leader Byreddy Siddharth Reddy alleged that Mr. Bharath was using the police to harass YSRCP cadre.