MLC Appi Reddy’s arrest is political vendetta: YSRCP

Guntur, Nov 12,: YSRCP leaders condemned the arrest of party General Secretary and MLC Lella Appi Reddy as political vendetta, demanding withdrawal of false cases and action against officials responsible for the Nallapadu ballot-box incident.
After visiting him at Guntur Sub-Jail, the leaders said Appi Reddy was jailed for questioning the unauthorised removal of a ballot box, while officials responsible for removing it and failing to provide security escaped scrutiny. They condemned the police lathi-charge on protesters and serious charges, including attempt to murder and robbery.
Former minister Ambati Rambabu questioned why the box was unloaded without security. He said jail authorities had sought Appi Reddy’s transfer to Rajahmundry or Nellore, claiming they could not provide basic protection and statutory facilities. He blamed pressure from Minister Nara Lokesh and Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, demanded replacement of the investigating officer and announced an SP complaint concerning police conduct and ballot-box destruction in Ward 57.
MLC Thota Trimurthulu said residents intercepted a security staffer removing the box near Nallapadu. He questioned how an incident initially described as minor attracted serious criminal charges overnight and criticised the coalition’s implementation of a “Red Book Constitution” instead of constitutional safeguards.
MLC Varudu Kalyani said the box was removed after polling at Vengalayapalem, raising suspicions of substitution. She condemned cases against those questioning irregularities, harassment of women and electoral manipulation from nominations through counting, warning of a public response in 2029.

The leaders pledged continued legal action and demanded an end to Appi Reddy’s mistreatment in custody.
Former MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, MLCs Talasila Raghuram, Sipai Subrahmanyam, KRJ Bharath, Parvathareddy Chandrasekhar Reddy, Ramesh Yadav, Ruhullah, Kalpalatha Reddy, Mangamma, Ishaq Basha, Chandragiri Yesuratnam, Murugudu Hanumantha Rao and Ramachandra Reddy also participated.