TDP MPs, legislators encouraged betting, gambling, alleges Ambati

Vijayawada: YSR Congress official spokesperson Ambati Rambabau alleged that the MLAs and MPs of the ruling TDP totally violated laws by taking part in cockfights and encouraging them.

He alleged that they encouraged betting and gambling with the support of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during the last three days in the State on the pretext of Sankranti festival tradition.

Speaking to the media persons here on Tuesday, he said the law and order situation was deteriorating in the State. He flayed the government for transforming cockfights into traditional gambling. He alleged that the Chief Minister and the Home Minister gave instructions to the police not to take action against those indulging in betting during cockfights.

He wondered why the police department remained a mute spectator when gambling and betting on cockfights was openly carried out across the State. He also alleged that the TDP MLAs and MPs have collected money for smoothly organising the illegal activity.

He wondered as to how the police department could take action against the gamblers when the followers of Home Minister N Chinarajappa organised cockfights in his own constituency.

Expressing concern over the bad precedents in the name of culture, he also pointed out that the cockfights were conducted even under flood lights. Stating that the trend was dangerous, he said the government should not spoil the tradition by encouraging betting.