Tadepalli (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 23 (IANS) Former Andhra Pradesh minister Vidadala Rajini was allegedly pushed to the ground by a woman police officer.

The incident occurred on Friday at the YSR Congress Party leader’s residence in Chilakaluripet in Palnadu district.

YSR Congress Party alleged that the Backward Classes leader was subjected to shocking treatment by the police.

According to YSRCP, Chilakaluripet Rural Sub-Inspector Priyanka has forcefully pushed her to the ground.

Alleging police assault on the former minister, YSRCP demanded an independent investigation by the State Election Commission and action against responsible officials.

The video of the alleged police assault on the YSRCP leader was widely circulated on social media, with the opposition party highlighting it as another incident of police highhandedness during the ongoing nomination process for the local body elections.

The opposition party alleged that Rajini, party in-charge for Chilakaluripet constituency, was placed under house arrest while she was trying to provide B-Forms to MPTC and ZPTC candidates.

When Yadlapadu ZPTC candidate and Dalit leader Pandula Bullabbayi came to meet her, police stopped him at the gate. Rajini questioned why the party candidates were being prevented from entering her residence, YSRCP said.

“What crime did Rajini commit? Meeting our candidates? Providing B-Forms? Questioning police restrictions at her own house?” asked the opposition party.

YSRCP alleged that police are acting on the directions of TDP leaders, obstructing YSRCP candidates instead of protecting their democratic rights. This incident demands an independent investigation into those allegations.

It strongly condemned the incident and demanded immediate action against the officer involved. “We demand that the State Election Commission take immediate action, ensure the safety of our candidates and stop unlawful interference in the nomination process. Chandrababu Naidu must answer for the conduct of police under his government and the continuing complaints of obstruction during local body elections,” the party said.

Meanwhile, YSRCP leaders lodged a complaint with State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha over widespread violence, nomination obstruction and electoral irregularities by TDP workers.

Addressing the media outside the SEC office, MLCs Lella Appi Reddy and Kalpalatha Reddy, along with Employees and Pensioners Wing State President Nalamaaru Chandrasekhar Reddy, demanded immediate intervention.

Appi Reddy condemned the coalition government for obstructing YSRCP candidates even on the final day of nominations. Opposition leaders were placed under house arrest while ruling-party candidates enjoyed unrestricted access. Police and revenue officials were functioning as TDP workers, allowing nomination papers to be torn, candidates to be attacked, and cases to be registered against victims.

Despite Supreme Court directions, the SEC provided limited relief in only four of the 19 affected municipalities. Issuing police escort instructions just 90 minutes before the deadline was meaningless for candidates travelling from villages.

He demanded an extension, adequate protection and action against fabricated YSRCP nominations and withdrawals, while questioning new B-Form deadlines. He also sought cancellation of TDP’s registration and warned of legal accountability for election irregularities.

Kalpalatha Reddy condemned attacks on women, including saree-pulling and physical assaults, questioning the silence of the woman Home Minister V. Anitha. She demanded effective police protection and justice for affected candidates.

Chandrasekhar Reddy criticised officials for witnessing attacks without intervening and demanded immediate action instead of meaningless announcements.

–IANS

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