The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : TDP urges Governor to `save' partymen

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 09, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

TDP urges Governor to `save' partymen

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, SEPT.8. The Telugu Desam today demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekahara Reddy, for "failing" to put an end to "political killings'' of its cadre and sought the immediate intervention of the Governor, Surjit Singh Barnala.

Leading a delegation of senior party leaders to Raj Bhavan, the TDP president, N. Chandrababu Naidu, made a presentation on a computer laptop to Mr. Barnala on the attacks and murders of TDP functionaries allegedly by Congress workers. He also submitted a detailed memorandum on the incidents and urged the Governor to dismiss the Panchayat Raj Minister, J. C. Diwakar Reddy, constitute a special investigation team headed by a senior police officer for speedy investigation and also a special court.

`Prosecute DSP'

The TDP leader also wanted the prosecution of the DSP, Anantapur, suspension of the SP and the DIG, Anantapur, transfer of the IG Rayalaseema and preventive action against "erring Congressmen" and their supporters, however, high they might be.

The memorandum drew the Governor's notice to the "deteriorating law and order situation'' in the State ever since the Rajasekhara Reddy Government was formed. The "brutal incidents'' taking place under "the political patronage'' of the Congress in the State `were "shocking'' and "unheard of in any civilised society.''

"This is an affront to democracy," Mr. Naidu bemoaned.

It said 30 TDP functionaries were killed in the State, including 14 in Anantapur district. Properties were destroyed in 24 villages, fake cases were filed in 20 others and people abandoned villages in eight instances.

Alleging that the Chief Minister and some of his ministerial colleagues " have a notorious track record of factionalism and criminality," the TDP said that "jungle law'' was prevailing in the State. The memorandum said the Government deserved a "constitutional whip'' from the Governor to avert the present violent environment as it had "abdicated its responsibility.''

Later talking to reporters, Mr. Naidu asked the Chief Minister to resign. He also accused the IG Rayalaseema, and other police officials of acting in a partisan manner and declared that the TDP would petition the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on the killings. He said the Governor had promised to take necessary action.

Asked about the political attacks during TDP rule, he said the Congress Government could disclose the details of all incidents since 1989 and take legal action.

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