Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao condemned the ‘illegal arrest’ of former MLA Balka Suman, stating that arresting a Dalit leader without prior notice is a cowardly act. He alleged that minister G Vivek’s direct interference in the election process at Kyathanapalli, including pressuring officials, is unconstitutional. He further warned that returning officers and police officials, who are supposed to be impartial, are acting under the influence of Congress leaders, signalling a decline in democratic institutions.In a statement, the former minister alleged that police officials have become a ‘private army’ for the Congress party. Despite what he described as a clear mandate from the people of Kyathanapalli in favour of the BRS, he expressed outrage over the alleged kidnapping of candidates and the filing of cases against those who resisted, calling it shameful.He also condemned the filing of ‘false cases’ and the arrest of former MLA Suman for questioning the minister’s alleged illegal activities and election irregularities in Kyathanapalli. He warned that if the police continue to harass senior party leaders and activists, every officer involved in such actions would face consequences in the future.KTR expressed concern over the ‘inhumane treatment’ of elected councillors, likening it to the buying and selling of cattle. He also alleged that those who could not be bought were kidnapped, citing incidents in Thorrur, Jangaon, and Zaheerabad.He questioned the safety of ordinary citizens, citing an incident in Jangaon where a Dalit woman public representative was allegedly attacked in front of officials who failed to provide protection. He demanded the unconditional release of Balka Suman and BRS activists, whom he claimed were illegally detained.He urged the State Election Commission and the governor to intervene immediately, conduct a thorough investigation into the irregularities in the municipal elections, and take action against police officers.
