Condemnation After Violence at Hindupur YSRCP Office
A wave of political tension has swept across Andhra Pradesh following an alleged attack and vandalism at the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) constituency office in Hindupur. The incident, which took place in the Sri Sathya Sai district, involved unidentified individuals storming the premises and causing significant damage, including the reported destruction of a statue of former Chief Minister Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy.This act has drawn strong, unified condemnation from YSRCP leadership, who view it as a direct challenge to the state’s democratic values.
The party’s chief and former Chief Minister, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was quick to react, issuing a powerful statement on a social media platform. He labeled the alleged vandalism as a “direct assault on democracy” and an “absolutely barbaric act.” Mr. Reddy squarely laid the blame on followers of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders, particularly linking the violence to supporters of the local MLA, actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. The former Chief Minister expressed alarm that political parties would resort to destroying offices, smashing furniture, and physically attacking workers, calling it a dangerous collapse of democratic norms.
Adding to the YSRCP’s concerns is the alleged lack of immediate and effective intervention by the local police.Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized the “absolute inaction” of the law enforcement agencies, suggesting that their silence was not a matter of negligence but a calculated move. He further alleged that the state’s law and order machinery was being openly misused to serve a political agenda.The YSRCP believes this incident is clear proof of a broader attempt to suppress political opposition through fear and intimidation.
Local party leaders provided further details, highlighting the extent of the damage. They reported that furniture, glass panels, and various party-related properties were ransacked and destroyed.T. N. Deepika, the YSRCP Hindupur coordinator, along with other district-level leaders, immediately rushed to the office to assess the situation and led a protest demanding criminal action against the perpetrators. They stressed that the party would not be intimidated by what they termed “hooliganism” and reaffirmed their commitment to peacefully stand with the people and raise public issues.
The leaders from the YSRCP strongly asserted that this attack was not just against their party structure but against every citizen who holds faith in democracy and the principle of political freedom.They questioned the moral authority of a government that, in their view, fails to protect the basic democratic rights of its political opponents.The incident has significantly heightened political tensions in the region, prompting local authorities to deploy additional police forces to vulnerable junctions to prevent further clashes. The police stated that they are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the individuals involved in the attack. The ruling party has yet to issue an official response to the specific allegations made by the YSRCP regarding the attack.
