Anam Slams Mekapati Vikram Reddy for ‘Murder of Democracy’ Remark
Vikram Reddy alleged voter intimidation, rejected nominations and misuse of police during local body polls.
Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy has said political parties must accept defeat with dignity, instead of questioning the democratic process.
Anam Reddy was referring to a comment from former Atamkur MLA Mekapati Vikram Reddy that the results of local body elections were turned in favour of the TD-led alliance by a "murder of democracy". This, he said, was an insult to the people's mandate and constitutional institutions.
Vikram Reddy has accused Anam Ramanarayana Reddy of electoral malpractice, voter intimidation and misuse of police during the local body elections.
Addressing the media at his camp office in Santhapet on Monday, Anam said the TD-led alliance's sweeping victory in Atmakur constituency had placed greater responsibility on them to accelerate development and welfare programmes.
He said the alliance secured an estimated overall majority of 18,174 votes across six mandals and Atmakur Municipality. Of the 67 MPTC seats, the TD won 58, while the YSRC secured nine.
The minister alleged that YSRC leaders were unable to digest their defeat and attempted to discredit the election process and constitutional institutions.
He criticised the Mekapati family's political past and raised questions over certain alleged business and property-related controversies, asking the opposition leaders to clarify their stand.
Anam said the alliance would work collectively to strengthen infrastructure and welfare delivery.
Addressing the media, Vikram Reddy had alleged that nearly 18 nominations were rejected and officials were offered financial inducements. “Hefty packages were offered to YSRC leaders to switch sides,” he said and added that the YSRC had approached the court over the alleged irregularities.
Displaying video footage, he accused the minister of using abusive language at Ananthasagaram and attempting to create disturbances. He also alleged that 375 votes were rigged in a single booth in Marripadu, while the police assaulted and expelled YSRC polling agents.
Accusing CI Gangadhar and SI Balaram Reddy of favouring the ruling alliance, he alleged that repolling was sought in areas where YSRC candidates were leading to benefit TD nominees.
