AP: Tension after `YSRCP cadres' attack TDP offices, Naidu calls for bandh

YSRCP supporters allegedly ransacked the house of K Pattabhiram on Tuesday and damaged household items and a car. YSRCP activists allegedly were protesting against the made by Pattabhiram about drug mafias. However the ruling party in a statement said it has nothing to do with the attacks."The party condemns the abusive statements made by the TDP spokesperson against the CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Such statements were never made against any leader in the history of our great nation. This is a new low. The party categorically denies any links to the attacks. Making such abusive statements against a loved CM and leader could've provoked fans of our beloved leader who have nothing to do with the party but the party has absolutely nothing to do with what unfolded", a statement said.

YSRCP supporters alleged that Pattabhi while addressing a press conference used unparliamentarily language against the ruling party leaders. The family members of Pattabhi told the media that a group of YSRCP activists barged into the house and vandalized all the household articles in the house. "YSRCP activists raised slogans and threatened to kill him," Pattabhiram's wife told the media.

Another group of alleged YSRCP supporters barged into the state TDP office at Mangalagiri and ransacked the furniture and smashed glass panes. Some cars parked near the TDP office were also damaged in the attack.

TDP leaders told the media that a large number of YSRCP supporters armed with sticks and iron rods attacked the TDP office and vandalized the furniture. TDP cameraman Badrinath suffered injuries in the attack. Later, a large number of TDP activists staged a dharna blocking the Chennai-Kolkata national highway.

In Visakhapatnam, men attacked the TDP office. Similar attacks were reported at TDP MLA and film actor N Balakrishna's house in Hindupur in Anantapur district. However, alert cops foiled the attack.

Director-General of Police D. Gautam Sawang said stern action would be taken against the persons involved in the attacks. He urged the public not to believe in rumors and cooperate with the police in restoring peace.

"I request the public not to take the law into their hands. Additional forces have been deployed," Sawang said.

The YSRCP men also tried to attack the house of TDP leader Linga Reddy in Proddatur. A tense situation prevailed at many places across the state following the attacks. "Telugu Desam Party has called for Andhra Pradesh bandh on Wednesday in protest against the attacks on its offices and leaders", the TDP leaders told the media.

Meanwhile, taking serious note of the attacks, TDP national president N Chandrababu Naidu spoke to Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Naidu sought the deployment of central security forces in the state. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Naidu said it is unprecedented that opposition party offices and leaders have been attacked by ruling party activists.

TDP state office was located a few hundred meters away from the DGP office but no protection was provided. "When I tried to contact DGP Gautam Sawang he did not respond. The attacks on TDP offices and leaders have taken place with the knowledge of DGP and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy", Naidu alleged.

Security was also stepped up at YSRCP offices and at the houses of Ministers, MLCs, and MPs across the state.