Anantapur turned into ‘Dandupalam’

Anantapur, Jan 16: YSR Congress Party Anantapur district president and former MLA Anantha Venkatrami Reddy criticised that Anantapur city has been reduced to “Dandupalam” under the coalition government, with a reign of fear, land-grabbing and organised attacks flourishing under the patronage of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh. Addressing the media at the party’s district office, he criticised TDP MLA Daggubati Venkateswara Prasad forming a “Dandupalam gang” and running the city through intimidation, illegal occupations and violence. He said vacant lands are being forcibly occupied, those who refuse to pay commissions are attacked, and conditions have deteriorated to the extent that starting a business, opening a showroom, running a cinema theatre or even constructing a house has allegedly become impossible without the MLA’s “permission.”
He stated that political pressure has paralysed the police and revenue machinery, with even complaints not being registered despite repeated attacks, and said Anantapur has never witnessed such lawlessness in its history. He cited multiple instances of alleged land encroachments, forged registrations, attacks for commissions, and even arson against political opponents, questioning why the SPs, DIGs and the intelligence machinery remain silent. He claimed that even TDP leaders are no longer safe, and asked what protection ordinary citizens can expect when those who question are attacked with impunity.
Anantha Venkatrami Reddy said these acts are being carried out openly in the name of sending “collections upwards,” and warned that Anantapur is not a feudal fiefdom. He demanded immediate action against the MLA, a comprehensive probe into mafia network involving police and revenue officials, and urgent steps to restore law and order and public safety in Anantapur city.