PaperDabba News Desk: 19 July 2024
The current state of Andhra Pradesh has reached alarming levels of violence and lawlessness, posing a grave threat to public safety and security. The constitutional institutions have collapsed, and the administrative machinery has become inactive. The people of Andhra Pradesh are living in constant fear, with heinous and barbaric acts happening regularly. The ruling party’s leaders and workers are running amok, creating a terrifying atmosphere in the state.
Targeted Violence Against Opposition
After coming to power, the TDP coalition targeted those who did not support them in the elections, especially the members, activists, and sympathizers of the YSR Congress Party. These individuals are being harassed, beaten, and killed, creating a climate of fear. Properties are being destroyed, homes and buildings are being demolished, and business establishments are being attacked. Even roadside vendors who support YSR Congress are not spared, facing assaults that damage their livelihood.
Government and Public Properties Under Attack
Not only private properties but even government assets are under attack. TDP supporters are destroying government offices like village secretariats, Rythu Bharosa centres, and village clinics, which the YSR Congress government established to serve the public. Statues of the late leader, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, are being desecrated in many places across the state.
Recent Incidents of Brutality
In a recent incident on July 17, 2024, in Vinukonda, Palnadu district, a YSR Congress Party worker named Rashid was brutally murdered in broad daylight, shocking the public. Similar incidents have been common since the TDP coalition came to power. Even elected representatives are not safe, with a recent attack on Lok Sabha leader and MP Mithun Reddy in Punganur, Chittoor district, highlighting the lawlessness in the state.
Breakdown of Democratic Institutions
Democratic institutions and the rule of law are absent in Andhra Pradesh. The ruling TDP coalition has established its unconstitutional system, known as the ‘Red Book’ constitution, leading to rampant criminal activities. The situation has become so dire that standard governance has been replaced by chaos and anarchy.
Statistics of Violence
Within a month of the TDP coalition taking power, 31 people have been murdered, 300 attempted murders have been reported, and 35 people have committed suicide due to harassment. Additionally, 560 private properties and 490 government properties have been destroyed. Over 2,700 families have been forced to leave their villages, and more than 1,050 incidents of violence and attacks have occurred.
Urgent Need for Central Intervention
Given the gravity of the situation, intervention is urgently needed to restore peace and normalcy in the state. The central government’s agencies should investigate the incidents since the elections. A personal meeting with the Honorable Prime Minister is requested to discuss these issues in detail and seek his intervention.
Requesting an appointment at your earliest convenience to personally brief you on the situation in Andhra Pradesh.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy
