Post date: May 07, 2011 6:37:12 AM
A Dalit woman accuses DL of assaulting villagers
Jagan urges them to vote fearlessly on May 8
YSR Congress president Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy visited Thudumuladinne Harijanawada in Khajipet mandal in Mydukur constituency on Friday and assured that he would stand by the Dalits, who alleged that they were assaulted, abused and their houses ransacked, by Congress candidate for Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency D.L. Ravindra Reddy and his followers on Wednesday night.
After interacting with the villagers, Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy warned that he would not tolerate attacks and vindictiveness towards Dalits and would spearhead a Statewide movement if the Minister and his aides meted out threats to them in future.
Action sought
He lodged a written complaint with District Election Officer Shashi Bhushan Kumar in Kadapa alleging that Dr. Ravindra Reddy and his aides terrorised, abused and stormed into the houses of the Dalits and demanded stern action. The DEO said he would apprise the Election Commission on the issue for action.
Allegations
A Dalit women of Thudumuladinne, two km from the Minister's native village Sunkesula, complained to Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy that the Minister visited their village with his followers in 10 vehicles around Wednesday night and threatened to set their houses ablaze, creating a fear psychosis among them. The women alleged that they were dragged by their shoulders.
When the women said the hamlet did not have proper water supply and lacked power supply and proper housing, the Minister retorted asking if Jagan would come to their rescue and advised them to get funds from the young leader.
Assuring that Nandyal MLA Sobha Nagi Reddy and former MLA S. Raghurami Reddy would visit them often and protect their interests, Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy urged the Dalits to cast votes without any fear on May 8.