DGP should probe attacks on BJP workers, says party chief

The Telangana BJP on Tuesday urged Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy to conduct an impartial inquiry into the recent attacks on party workers and take strict action against those responsible.

In a memorandum submitted to the DGP, a copy of which was released to the media, State BJP president N. Ramchander Rao said it was a “threat to democracy” when the attackers were allegedly being protected, while “unjust” cases were being filed against those lodging police complaints as well as the victims themselves.

Citing incidents from various parts of the State where BJP workers were allegedly attacked by members of the ruling party, Mr. Rao accused certain sections of the police of playing a partisan role. He claimed that some Congress MLAs were misusing the police machinery to target BJP workers.

The BJP president said that the “law and order situation in the State has deteriorated significantly” and noted that since Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy himself holds the Home portfolio, it was imperative for the DGP to take immediate corrective action.

He also warned that “if attacks on BJP workers continue, we will be compelled to respond strongly in the future”. Strongly condemning the attacks, he said the party would continue to fight against them at every level.

Earlier in the day, after admitting prominent leaders from the Congress and BRS into the BJP at the party’s State headquarters, Mr. Rao told the media that the Congress government led by Mr. Revanth Reddy should take action against the Majlis party for walking out during the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ in the Assembly.

Questioning the move, he asked why those who did not hesitate to say “Jai Palestine” in Parliament felt ashamed to say “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” – terming it – “appeasement politics.” The large-scale inductions into the BJP indicated the party’s growing popularity, he said, adding that leaders were being attracted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance.