YSRC Condemns Police Brutality On Dalit Leader
“Is it a crime to stand up for farmers? Does a TDP MLA’s directive justify such police brutality?”: YSRC Krishna district president and former minister Perni Venkatramaiah
VIJAYAWADA: The YSRC has strongly condemned the brutal police assault on Dalit leader Varikuti Ashok Babu, who was seriously injured, for questioning the government’s neglect of farmers in the Krishna Delta. YSRC Krishna district president and former minister Perni Venkatramaiah, also known as Perni Nani, visited Ashok Babu, who is undergoing treatment at the Repalle Government Hospital, on Saturday.
Speaking to the media, Perni Nani demanded accountability from the police, asking, “Is it a crime to stand up for farmers? Does a TDP MLA’s directive justify such police brutality?”
Since assuming office in June last year, the TD-led state government has been neglecting farmers, particularly in Vemuru constituency’s Bhattiprolu region, where agricultural losses have been devastating.
The delayed water supply to canal-irrigated lands forced farmers to begin cultivation late, leading to financial burden. Last year, the government’s failure to clear silt from drainage canals led to floodwater destroying paddy nurseries over 10,000 acres.
This year, Ashok Babu’s protest, demanding timely silt clearance prompted irrigation officials to take action, However, MLA Nakka Ananda Babu of TD obstructed the work for political reasons and incited police violence against the Dalit leader.
“Is this the TD’s commitment to farmers, silencing their supporters with violence?” Nani questioned.
The government’s negligence continues to cripple farmers. Drainage canals, including the seven-kilometre Gangolu drainage canal, remain clogged, obstructing water flow and threatening another crop season. Perni Nani warned, “Farmers will not tolerate this injustice.
Even if police are unleashed, YSRC will unite all democratic forces to fight for farmers’ rights.” He criticised the government for failing to learn from last year’s losses and demanded immediate action to clear canals before the Kharif season.
