Tirupati by-poll: Stones pelted at Naidu's roadshow, two injured
Unidentified people reportedly started hurling stones at Naidu first and then at the crowd.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 13 April 2021 4:29 AM GMT
Tirupati: Two TDP activists including a woman were injured when unidentified miscreants pelted stones at former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu during a roadshow at Krishnapuram Thana on Monday evening.
As part of his campaign for the Tirupati Lok Sabha by-poll, Naidu launched a brief walkathon that passed through Nethaji Road before addressing a gathering at Krishnapuram Tana junction around 6.45 p.m
Unidentified people reportedly started hurling stones at Naidu first and then at the crowd. Seemingly unfazed, Naidu got down from his vehicle and squatted on the road demanding arrest of the culprits behind the attack.
Police tried to convince Naidu, but in vain. Police and National Security Guards surrounded the protesting leaders.
Naidu lambasted the government and police department for failing to provide security to the Opposition leaders. "If this is the security provided to a Z-category leader, what could be the situation of common people in the State?" Naidu asked.
Naidu blamed the YSR Congress Party leaders for the incident. TDP activists raised slogans against Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. An injured TDP activist was made to board the campaign vehicle and address the gathering.
He later reached Tirupati urban police office and filed a written complaint demanding action against those behind the attack. Shopkeepers downed their shutters anticipating trouble.
Addressing the media, Naidu demanded that the Election Commission of India should deploy central paramilitary forces to ensure a free and fair by-poll.
He alleged that state police have failed to provide security to the Opposition leaders and that 'Rowdy Rajyam' is prevailing in the State.
Meanwhile, Panchayat Raj Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy denied the charges of Naidu.
Ramachandra Reddy alleged that TDP leaders engineered the incident hoping to win the election in Tirupati by indulging in mudslinging at the YSRCP.
However, he urged the police to arrest the culprits. The Minister alleged that it was Naidu who prompted an attack on Amit Shah during his visit to Tirupati in the past.
