Hyderabad, February 16 – Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao strongly condemned what he called the undemocratic actions of the ruling Congress party and the attacks on BRS leaders during the election of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of municipalities in Telangana.
He expressed his dismay that the government and police forces, who should respect the verdict given by the people, acted like thugs.
In a statement, he expressed anger over the attempts by MPs and MLAs to kidnap elected representatives and the attacks carried out at various locations.
KTR criticised the way the police acted in several towns across the state, including Thorrur, Jangaon, Kaytanapalli, and Kagaznagar.
He alleged that the Congress party attempted to kidnap candidates in several towns and that this reflects the "mafia rule" of the Congress. He was furious that officials and the police themselves joined hands with the leaders of the ruling party and violated the election code of conduct.
KTR criticised the fact that ministers and MLAs were directly interfering in the selection process of chairpersons through illegal methods.
He said that registering fake votes in the name of ex officio members is a blot on democracy.
KTR highlighted the "atrocities" committed in the selection of municipal chairpersons. He expressed his anger that Congress leaders misused the police machinery in several places to threaten and attack BRS leaders.
KTR strongly condemned the attacks on former party ministers, MLAs, senior party leaders and activists by "Congress goons" in several towns. He said that the police's inaction to stop these attacks shows how law and order has deteriorated in the state.
He demanded that the State DGP should immediately intervene in this matter and take strict action against the officers who are acting in favour of the Congress party.
KTR raised an objection to the postponement of elections even in places where there was a quorum. He alleged that this was done under pressure from the ruling party.
He demanded that the State Election Commission respond immediately and conduct a comprehensive investigation into these irregularities. He urged that cases be registered against those involved in kidnappings and attacks and that efforts be made to protect democracy.