TIRUPATI: In less than a month, Punganur Assembly constituency once again witnessed clashes between activists of the TDP and YSRC during the visit of Rajampet MP PV Midhun Reddy on Thursday. In the ensuing chaos, the MP’s security personnel fired two rounds in self-defence.
The unrest began when a number of TDP activists gathered in Punganur to protest against the MP’s visit. Midhun Reddy was scheduled to meet former Chittoor MP N Reddeppa at his residence. Aware of the visit, TDP activists assembled in large numbers, prompting YSRC supporters to gather in support of their leader.
Violence erupted when TDP activists attempted to storm Reddeppa’s residence and hurled stones at YSRC supporters, who also retaliated. The MP’s security personnel fired two rounds in the air in self-defence. Additional forces were deployed and police resorted to mild lathi-charge to disperse the mob.
Condemning the incident, Midhun Reddy accused the ruling TDP of inciting attacks against him since he took charge about a month ago. Stating that he will take the attacks to the notice of the Lok Sabha Speaker, the MP said, “Violent attacks on YSRC activists in Punganur have not ceased since the time TDP came to power. They are preventing me from visiting the constituency, despite it being my constitutional right. It is unfortunate that the police, who should provide security, have become mere spectators.”
New regime’s failure to maintain law and order led to anarchy: Ex-CM
It may be pointed out that several leaders and workers of the YSRC were prevented from going to Mithun Reddy’s house on June 30 when the MP tried to visit his constituency. Barricades were set up approximately 100 metres from his residence at the time. Subsequently, YSRC supporters staged a protest and accused the TDP government of imposing unwarranted restrictions on an elected representative.
The incident follows recent events where TDP workers allegedly blocked a visit by Mithun Reddy’s father and former YSRC minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy to Punganur.
Reacting to the incident, YSRC president and former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy posted on X, “Strongly condemn the attack on YSRC Lok Sabha MP PV Mithun Reddy and former MP Reddeppa by those associated with TDP. This incident comes just 24 hours after the brutal murder of Rashid in Vinukonda by a TDP goon. Since coming to power, the new regime has failed miserably in maintaining law and order in the State leading to anarchy and unprecedented violence. The new regime led by Andhra Pradesh CM must take responsibility for this.”
YSRC leaders decried that the law and order situation in the State has worsened and that the safety of the common man is in jeopardy. They condemned the recent acts of violence perpetrated by followers and activists of the TDP in the State.
Describing the attack as a highly reprehensible act, Tirupati MP M Gurumoorthy questioned the government’s ability to protect common party workers when it failed to ensure the safety of a democratically elected MP