Hyderabad: The absence of security cover to the high-profile TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy kicked up a row on Thursday, and Congress leaders alleged that it was a deliberate attempt by the BRS government to leave him open to danger.
It all started with the gunmen allotted to Revanth Reddy, who is also Malkajgiri MP, abstaining from duty over a couple of days, after his controversial remarks that a few top officials were working for ruling party leaders and suppressing Congress leaders and workers. Scores of cases have been filed against Revanth Reddy for allegedly demoralising of the force. The gunmen apparently were asked to stay away till the PCC chief tendered an apology.
"Though it is not clear on whose instructions the gunmen stayed away, the police will not take such decisions without instructions from the political bosses," sources close to Revanth Reddy pointed out. The Rachakonda commissionerate which oversees the security for the MP was tight-lipped about the incident. A senior official denied withdrawing security but refused to answer a question on how Revanth Reddy was left security personnel.
The Revanth Reddy camp claimed that one gunman turned up on Thursday and this angered the TPPC chief, who sent him back.
Revanth Reddy was provided heavy security before the state bifurcation till he was caught in the cash for vote scam. Attempts were made a couple of times to either withdraw or drastically bring down the security cover, forcing the Congress leader to approach the High Court.
“During his padayatra, the government informed the High Court that more than 25 personnel were put on round-the-clock duty for Revanth Reddy," said a Congress leader, adding that the affidavit filed by the government was indicative of the security threat that Revanth Reddy faced. Congress leaders alleged that the BRS top leadership was indulging in mind games to cow down the Congress' star campaigner just when the elections were approaching. "This is a clear indication of the desperation of BRS leadership which sees the writing on the wall," they said.
The Congress also questioned the haste exhibited by the government in providing security to BJP MLA Etala Rajendar when he complained of receiving threats. There were reports that minister K.T. Rama Rao spoke to Rajendar and assured him that his security cover would be increased, even before the Centre provided ‘Y’ category security.
The Revanth Reddy camp was also upset over the government constantly increasing security cover to ruling party MLAs like in the case of P. Rohit Reddy who was caught misusing the facility.
