AP Minister Suresh slams Naidu for attacks in Yerragondapalem

TIRUPATI: Municipal administration minister A. Suresh accused TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu of attacking him and YSR Congress supporters at Yerragondapalem in Prakasam district, on Friday, even though they had been protesting peacefully, demanding that Naidu apologise to Dalits.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Suresh stated that when no one showed up for the TD meeting, Chandrababu incited rioting in the area.

"Yerragondapalem is YSRC's bastion. I dare TD to contest from here. If they win, I will retire from politics permanently,” the minister declared.

He maintained that Chandrababu Naidu is to be blamed for stone-pelting on Dalits. "It is he who incited TD workers to attack us," he charged. He showed videos of TD workers pelting stones against YSRC protesters.

According to the minister, when Naidu's convoy arrived, TD workers began hurling stones at YSRC representatives who had been demonstrating peacefully. Suresh said Naidu even got out of his vehicle and confronted YSRC workers. He alleged that at the instance of Naidu, police started lathi-charge. He said a Dalit sarpanch and three others had been injured in the attack.