*Dalits are under attack in AP*

Pinnelli, Jan 25: YSR Congress Party leaders strongly condemned what they called a systematic and violent assault on Dalits under the Chandrababu Naidu–led coalition government, stating that the brutal murder of Dalit activist Manda Salman was part of an ongoing campaign of terror, political vendetta, and government failure.

Yerragondapalem MLA Tatiparthi Chandrasekhar said that since the coalition came to power, Dalits have been subjected to organised attacks, intimidation, and false cases, with police allegedly turning against victims instead of protecting them. He alleged that Salman’s murder was part of this pattern, that the so-called “Red Book rule” has created an atmosphere of fear, and that a Chief Minister who cannot protect Dalits has no moral authority to govern.

YSRCP State General Secretary Jupudi Prabhakar said the coalition has created a situation where Dalits are being threatened for exercising their democratic right to vote, warning that people are being told they will be killed for supporting YSRCP. He said constitutional rights are being trampled, that fear is being used as a political weapon, and declared that Dalits will respond democratically and decisively, asserting their strength through mass movements and the ballot. He demanded that Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan speak out and called on courts to take suo motu cognisance of Salman’s murder.

YSRCP leader Chandragiri Yesuratnam said Salman’s killing was a direct consequence of government failure and political arrogance, pointing out that over 300 families fleeing villages is itself proof of collapse of law and order. He warned that police shielding ruling party leaders will not remain in power forever and called on all marginalised sections to unite against violence and oppression.