In a shocking turn of events during the election season in Telangana, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Member of Parliament and assembly election candidate, Kotha Prabhakar Reddy, was stabbed while campaigning in Siddipet. The incident has ignited a political firestorm, with allegations of a murder attempt and escalating tensions between the ruling party and the Congress.
KTR’s Allegations
Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao, the son of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, wasted no time in pointing fingers at the Congress party. In a strong statement, he condemned the attack and accused the Congress of orchestrating a murder attempt. He asserted, “I strongly condemn the murder attempt on BRS MP Sri Prabhakar Reddy Garu by Congress Goons. Desperate Congress now resorting to physical elimination attempts of our leaders in Telangana.”
KTR expressed his concern over the incident and the current state of affairs, adding, “This was, of course, to be expected with a 3rd rate Criminal being made the TPCC president. Violence has no place in democratic society, and I hope the Election Commission of India will take serious action in this regard.”
The Stabbing Incident
The unfortunate incident unfolded when Kotha Prabhakar Reddy, the BRS candidate for the Dubbak assembly seat, was stabbed by a 38-year-old man while campaigning in Siddipet. A video of the attack circulated on social media, showing the injured leader being rushed to the hospital in a car. Police sources have stated that his condition is stable.
Siddipet Commissioner of Police N Swetha provided details about the incident, explaining, “The accused, who came to meet the MP, went close to him and attacked him with a knife.” This act of violence has left both political parties and the public deeply concerned about the state of election campaigns in the region.
Political Repercussions
In a strong response to the attack, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao said, “I am saying the attack on our Dubbak candidate is an attack on me. If the attacks are not stopped, if there is no self-control, we also have courage. If we also resort to the same acts, you will not remain. Even (your) dust also will not remain.”
The Governor of Telangana, Tamilisai Soundararajan, also expressed her shock and concern over the incident, stating, “I am shocked to learn about the attack on Medak MP and BRS Dubbak MLA candidate Kotha Prabhakar Reddy during an election campaign in Surampalli of Doulthabad mandal. Violence has no place in democracy, and such incidents are a threat to the democratic process.”
As the Election Commission of India takes notice of this disturbing event, the political atmosphere in Telangana is charged with tension and anticipation of further developments. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining a peaceful and democratic election process, free from violence and intimidation.
Authorities and political leaders will need to work collaboratively to ensure the safety of candidates and the integrity of the upcoming assembly elections in the state, as these events cast a shadow over the democratic process in Telangana.
Sources By Agencies
