Chandragiri, India – Tensions have flared anew between Pulivarthi Nani, the Telugu Desham Party MLA from Chandragiri, and Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, his predecessor from the YSR Congress Party, following allegations surrounding an attack on Mr. Nani’s vehicle. The incident, which was initially reported as a violent political assault, has taken on a different contour with Mr. Bhaskar Reddy claiming it to have been fabricated.
In the aftermath of the recent elections in the state, Mr. Nani claimed that his vehicle was ambushed during a trip to verify the security of Electronic Voting Machines stored in a strongroom. This purported attack led to immediate repercussions, including the suspension of several police officers deemed negligent in their duties.
However, the charges against unnamed assailants from the YSRCP spiraled into controversy when Mr. Bhaskar Reddy counterclaimed during a press briefing. He presented medical documents from Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS)—where Mr. Nani was treated—highlighting that Mr. Nani’s medical condition was indicated as ‘normal’ during his hospital stay. Mr. Bhaskar Reddy suggested that the injuries and the subsequent hospitalization might have been exaggerated to garner public sympathy.
The dispute intensified over the week with consecutive public statements from both parties. Mr. Bhaskar Reddy accused Mr. Nani of staging the entire scenario, describing it as political theatre intended to manipulate public opinion and discredit the YSRCP. In response, Mr. Nani, supported by his wife Pulivarthi Sudha Reddy who was present during the alleged attack, vehemently refuted these claims, labeling the accusation as a belittlement of what they insist was an attempt on Mr. Nani’s life.
The controversy extended to familial ties when Mr. Bhaskar Reddy took offense at his son, and YSRCP candidate, Chevireddy Mohith Reddy, being named as a suspect in the attack. Mr. Nani retorted by insisting that the allegations against him were baseless and strategically aimed to shield Mr. Bhaskar Reddy’s son from potential legal consequences.
This ongoing feud between incumbents and former officeholders in Chandragiri has not only heightened local tensions but has also cast a shadow over the political integrity in the region. Observers note that such exchanges undermine the democratic process and could erode public trust in elected officials.
As the allegations and counter-allegations continue to unfold, the constituents of Chandragiri are caught in a crossfire of political rivalry and accusations, awaiting clear resolutions and accountability from their leaders. Legal experts speculate on the potential implications of these accusations on future electoral processes and the standards of conduct expected of public officeholders.
For now, the region remains a focal point of intense political scrutiny, as both the TDP and the YSRCP brace for potential legal and electoral repercussions stemming from this high-stakes confrontation.