TDP govt unleashing violence against Oppn: Jagan

• YSRCP chief complains to Guv against the ruling party encouraging defections
  
• He says that as many as 17 supporters of his party were murdered
  
• Expresses fear that the govt might resort to rigging in byelections to Nandigama and Allagadda

Hyderabad: YSR Congress Party on Monday lodged a strong protest with Governor ESL Narasimhan against the ruling party Telugu Desam Party for resorting to undemocratic practices by subverting the people's mandate in the polls to elected chairpersons to civic bodies and Zilla Parishads, besides to the posts of president for Mandal Praja Parishads (MPPs) A delegation led by party President YS Jaganmohan Reddy met the Governor and submitted a memorandum against the TDP and its leadership. Jagan brought to the notice of Narasimhan that the officials, including district Collectors, were intimated by the TDP leaders during the elections.

"Going by the number of seats it had won, the YSRCP should have won 239 mandal praja parishads, 36 municipalities and three zilla parishads. But, the TDP encouraged defections and subverted democracy. As a result, the YSRCP could win 200 MPPs, 19 municipalities and 1 zilla parishad only," Jagan said.

In Prakasam and Nellore ZPs, senior TDP leaders like Karanam Balaram and Venkatagiri MLA resorted to brazen irregularities and tried every trick to steal the ZP chief posts despite the YSRCP having clear majority. In Kurnool. A war like situation prevailed at the ZP offices in these two districts, he pointed out.

Jagan further said that ever since TDP came to power, as many as 17 YSRCP activists were brutally done to death and 113 were critically maimed. "We apprehend possible violence in the byelections to Nandigama, Allagadda Assembly seats and Nandyal MP seats would be held," he said and urged the Governor to intervene and protect democracy.