Kurnool: Kurnool district has been witnessing increased selective attacks on political rivals which has been dividing villages vertically, affecting peaceful existence.
The attacks on YSRC activists at Banagana Palle, Allagadda and Nandyal pose a challenge to the police in containing factionism in the district.
The remarks of retaliation made by tourism minister Bhuma Akhila Priya at a meeting held at faction infected Kothapalle village, near Nandyal, has sparked off a fresh debate between arch rivals Silpa and Bhuma families. Silpa Ravi Chandra Reddy, a YSRC leader, said that attacks on YSRC activists were on the rise in the past one week, including a follower of Gangula Prabhakar Reddy who was beaten brutally by unknown people .
Kurnool SP Pakkirappa directed Allagadda police to maintain law and order without compromising on controlling trouble makers.
Ms Akhila Priya visited Kothapalle on Sunday and allegedly warned the villagers that she would settle scores with those who put her father in trouble during his life time.
She said that she would take revenge if they don’t mend their ways. Kothapalli villagers have been loyalists of Silpa Mohan Reddy for years.
Silpa Ravi Chandra Reddy told Deccan Chronicle that if a Minister gives warnings like this, what justice can a commoner seek in the state? He said he will complain the matter to the SP, seeking full protection for villagers in Kothapalli.
Nandyal Municipal Chairperson Desam Sulochana said that the Tourism Minister was interfering in the smooth functioning of the Municipal Affairs. She said that recently, the Minister convened a review meeting at the Municipal Office but gave no importance to the Chairperson. “Instead, she brought in people who are no way connected to the Municipality to sit on thedais and issued warnings to them,” she said.
She said compensation for road widening victims in Nandyal is still pending and whatever compensation has been released so far was appropriated by the Tourism Minister for her followers. She said the Minister had stuck a deal with road widening victims, particularly on the 17-feet demolition and was trying to give back 7-feet land to the owners, limiting road widening to only 10-feet. Silpa Ravi Chandra Reddy questioned the legitimacy of returning land after disbursing compensation to the land owners. He said it is a big scam in the making.
