Stop Midnight Arrests or Face Statewide Protest: YSRCP
YSRCP leaders threaten statewide protests if police continue midnight arrests and harassment of party workers following DSC-2025 protests.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has issued a stern warning to the TDP-led coalition government, threatening a massive statewide agitation if the police do not immediately cease the practice of midnight arrests and the filing of "illegal cases" against its members.
On Saturday, senior leaders from the Krishna and Guntur districts converged at the Vijayawada Police Commissioner’s Office to submit a formal representation to DCP Saritha. The delegation expressed deep outrage over the alleged harassment of party workers who had participated in peaceful demonstrations regarding the DSC–2025 irregularities.
Demands for Fair Policing and End to Harassment
The YSRCP leadership made it clear that they would not be intimidated by police tactics. They emphasized that the party remains committed to fighting for unemployed youth and will continue to raise its voice against perceived injustices in the recruitment process.
Key demands and observations made by the leaders include:
- End to Midnight Raids: Leaders urged the police to stop entering homes in the middle of the night, a tactic they claim is used to frighten the families and parents of party workers.
- Voluntary Surrender: The party stated that if the police provide an official list of individuals named in current cases, the members will voluntarily appear at police stations rather than being hunted down at night.
- Questioning Selective Permission: Leaders questioned the disparity in how protests are handled, asking why YSRCP's peaceful demonstrations were denied permission while TDP and Jana Sena rallies were allowed on Bandar Road.
Allegations of Violence and False Cases
The YSRCP leaders leveled serious allegations regarding the events at the SAAP office. They claimed that nearly 300 individuals, posing as teachers, were permitted inside the premises. According to the party, these individuals were armed with sticks and rods and launched attacks on YSRCP leaders, unemployed youth, and even differently-abled protesters.
The party strongly objected to the registration of severe charges, including attempt-to-murder and cases under the SC/ST Atrocities Act, against their workers. They alleged that authorities are using fingerprints, photographs, and late-night court appearances as tools of intimidation against innocent people.
Political Pressure and Accountability
Prominent figures, including former ministers Ambati Rambabu and Sake Sailajanath, MLCs Lella Appireddy and Yesuratnam, former MLA Malladi Vishnu, and NTR district YSRCP president Devineni Avinash, called for immediate government accountability.
"The minister responsible for the DSC–2025 issues must resign," demanded Sake Sailajanath, insisting that the government must provide clear answers regarding the recruitment irregularities.
The leaders advised police officers to adhere strictly to the law and resist yielding to political pressure from the ruling coalition. They asserted that they possess video, media, and drone footage that clearly documents the incidents at the SAAP office. The YSRCP concluded by stating they would challenge all "false cases" in court and take their grievances directly to the public if the government fails to reconsider its current course of action.