Salman’s killing is a govt crime rooted in anti-dalit ideology

Tadepalli, Jan 16:Former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu alleged that the murder of YSR Congress Party activist Manda Salman of Pinnelli village in Gurazala constituency is not an isolated crime but a “government killing” born out of the ideological climate created by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office, he said hundreds of YSRCP workers continue to live outside their villages due to threats by ruling party leaders and local police, and that Salman, who returned only to see his ailing wife, was brutally beaten to death with iron rods. He announced that protests would be organised in district headquarters across the state in association with Dalit organisations.

Sudhakar Babu accused Chandrababu Naidu of consistently displaying anti-Dalit ideology, stating that attacks, village boycotts, and targeted violence against Dalits have increased since the coalition came to power, reviving practices reminiscent of untouchability and social exclusion. He alleged that Dalit welfare schemes have been halted, while Dalit families are being terrorised through violence, social boycotts, and political intimidation. He said the murder of Salman reflects an attempt to re-establish feudal dominance over Dalits and the poor.

He contrasted this with the YSRCP government’s record of political empowerment and welfare for Dalits, and accused the present government of reducing Dalits to mere vote banks while ignoring constitutional values. Calling Salman’s killing a continuation of a long history of caste-based atrocities, he warned that police officials shielding such crimes will be held accountable when YSRCP returns to power. He appealed to Dalit organisations and all democratic forces to join statewide protests, asserting that the party will fight relentlessly until justice is delivered to Salman’s family and those responsible are punished.