YSRCP announces ‘Chalo Delhi’ programme over Dalit activist murder

Guntur: The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has announced plans for an intensified statewide and national-level agitation following the murder of Manda Salman. The party will soon launch a "Chalo Delhi" programme to press for justice and hold the ruling coalition accountable. YSRCP leaders asserted that the fight would continue until the guilty are punished and justice is served to the victim's family.At a memorial meeting held in Pinnelli, YSRCP state leaders paid tribute to Salman and visited his family to express solidarity and assure continued support. Addressing the gathering, the leaders alleged that since assuming power, the coalition government has failed to protect Dalits and has instead allowed targeted attacks on YSRCP supporters, particularly in Palnadu district. They accused the ruling dispensation of resorting to violence and intimidation due to their inability to gain public support through development.
Strongly criticising chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, former legislator Kasu Mahesh Reddy alleged that Dalit lives hold no value in his political calculations and that systematic attacks were carried out to alienate Dalits from the party. He termed the attack on Dr BR Ambedkar's statue as a shameful beginning to a series of assaults on Dalits and democratic voices. According to the leaders, the murder of Salman was a direct result of government negligence and police failure, with allegations that law enforcement acted in collusion with anti-social elements.Mahesh Reddy demanded an independent probe into the murder and said complaints would be lodged with the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. He also insisted on strict action against police officials responsible for lapses in maintaining law and order. Several speakers highlighted that hundreds of families were forced to flee villages in Palnadu due to fear and intimidation, calling it a blot on governance.YSRCP leaders emphasised that the party would raise the issue both in parliament and at the national level, warning the coalition government that suppression and violence would only strengthen public opposition. They praised the restraint and maturity shown by Salman's family, who appealed for peace in the village despite their immense loss, and said their appeal should be respected by restoring normalcy and ensuring safety.Prominent leaders, including Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy, former MPs, former ministers, former MLAs, and district-level party leaders, participated in the programme.
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