CBN Attacked: Peddireddy’s Vendetta?

Political violence in Punganur the other day stunned the entire state. For a second, there were doubts if we are living in Andhra Pradesh or Bihar. But those who are politically aware are not surprised.

Punganur is always a sensitive area thanks to Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy. The constituency has become such ever since Peddireddy shifted from Pileru to Punganuru.

Supported by YSR, Peddireddy kept Punganuru in his grip using his financial strength and brute force. Chandrababu Naidu ignored the constituency for so long even in the Opposition or while in power between 2014 and 2019.

Under Jagan Mohan Reddy is a different case, Jagan is all up to harassing the political opponents and creating fear on the ground. To please the CM and to please his own ego against Chandrababu, Peddireddy is going unabated in the Chittoor district.

Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and Chandrababu Naidu studied in the same college. Chandrababu went on to become the longest-served Chief Minister in Telugu history and Peddireddy could not go beyond being a Minister.

So, Peddireddy is always jealous of Chandrababu, the people of the Chittoor district say. Peddireddy has put in all efforts to destroy TDP in the district after 2019.

He even vowed to defeat Chandrababu in Kuppam and showed good results for the party in local elections.

But everything went topsy-turvy with the MLC elections. Peddireddy was made the incharge of MLC Elections in Rayalaseema.

In Teachers’ seats, YSR Congress candidates managed to crawl to the victory line with bare minimum majorities. TDP not contesting these seats helped the Ruling Party.

In Graduates seats, TDP won both East Rayalaseema and West Rayalaseema seats, and that too comfortably.

YSR Congress planned everything well from voter registration to electioneering with the help of Volunteers. Massive irregularities took place before and on the polling day. We have watched it live on TV channels too.

Even then, the Ruling Party could not escape defeat. Peddireddy who made tall claims of defeating Chandrababu Naidu in Kuppam could not ensure the party‘s victory in seats having his own district or CM Jagan‘s own district.

Peddireddy’s reputation in the district and before the Chief Minister suffered big time. He was waiting for revenge. Chandrababu’s Punganur tour came as an opportunity and he made use of it. The irony is YSR Congress cadres instigated the violence and now they themselves calling for the district Bandh.