Tear Gas & AK-47s: Avinash Reddy Slams 'Biased' Police Action in Pulivendula
YSRCP MP Avinash Reddy condemns police lathi-charge and tear gas during nomination filing in Pulivendula, alleging bias and seeking SEC intervention.
The political atmosphere in Pulivendula turned volatile on Saturday as Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) MP YS Avinash Reddy launched a scathing attack on the local police administration. The MP condemned the use of lathi-charges, tear gas, and firing in the air against YSRCP candidates and their supporters who had gathered to file their nominations.
A Broken Promise of Peace
YS Avinash Reddy alleged that the chaos was a direct result of betrayed trust. According to the MP, senior police officials—including the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Superintendent of Police (SP), and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)—had specifically instructed candidates to arrive at 1:30 pm. He claimed these officials had provided a firm assurance that the nomination process would proceed without any obstructions.
However, Reddy stated that upon arrival, the police reversed their stance and ordered the candidates to return the following day. “Why are our candidates being denied the right to file nominations today?” Reddy questioned, highlighting the sudden shift in police directives.
Allegations of Selective Enforcement
The YSRCP MP raised serious concerns regarding the impartiality of the law enforcement agencies on the ground. He pointed out a stark contrast in how different political groups were treated:
- TDP Presence: Reddy alleged that hundreds of TDP leaders and workers were permitted to congregate freely near the municipal office.
- YSRCP Restrictions: In contrast, YSRCP supporters, who were standing approximately 100 metres away, were stopped and subjected to a lathi-charge and tear gas.
In a particularly shocking claim, Avinash Reddy alleged that the DSP went as far as pointing an AK-47 rifle at the YSRCP candidates. He further questioned why the police remained inactive while TDP workers allegedly carried weapons, including sickles, knives, sticks, iron rods, and stones.
Chaos at the Nomination Center
The turmoil didn't end with the clashes on the street. The MP alleged that the sanctity of the election process was compromised when nomination papers were snatched and torn. He claimed that even papers already submitted to the Returning Officer were destroyed, leading him to question whether the officials were performing their duties with any sense of impartiality.
"Should candidates face lathi blows, tear gas and stone attacks just to file nominations? What is the Election Commission doing?"
Call for SEC Intervention
Taking a stand of protest, Avinash Reddy sat on the road to voice his grievances. He expressed deep concern over whether a free and fair election is even possible under such circumstances. The MP has now urgently called upon the State Election Commission (SEC) to intervene in the matter.
He has demanded that the commission ensure the protection of every candidate's right to contest, provide necessary security, and guarantee that nominations are accepted in a transparent, free, and impartial manner.