Tensions escalated in the Guntur West constituency during New Year celebrations as activists from the Telugu Desam and Jana Sena parties allegedly targeted and vandalised the recently inaugurated office of Health Minister Vidadala Rajini. The incident unfolded on Sunday night when the activists pelted stones at the office building, tore down political banners and flexes, and shattered glass windows and mirrors.
Minister Vidadala Rajini, recently appointed as the in-charge of Guntur-West Constituency, had established the office in Vidyanagar, Guntur, with plans for a morning inauguration. However, in a pre-meditated move, activists attacked the office at midnight. Before the attack, TDP and Jana Sena workers had performed a symbolic cleaning of NTR’s statue with milk near Rajini’s office, followed by a rally where stones were thrown at the office building. Upon receiving information, the police promptly intervened, resorting to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd and detaining some TDP and Jana Sena workers.
In the aftermath of the attack, Minister Rajini strongly condemned the act of vandalism in a conversation with the media, asserting that such intimidation tactics would not deter a leader from the BC community like herself. Describing the incident as a ‘pre-planned assault,’ she pointed out the large stones used in the attack and vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Minister Rajini emphasised the need for justice, stating, “There is no question of leaving those who committed the attack unpunished.” She highlighted the heightened security measures now in place at her office and asserted that those responsible for the act were resorting to vandalism out of frustration and the fear of losing elections. The police have detained suspects and are currently interrogating them.
Addressing the media, Minister Rajini speculated on the potential consequences if such elements were to come to power, expressing her commitment to serving the public despite coercion and threats. She seized the opportunity to criticise Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh, accusing them of hypocrisy in claiming support for the BC community while failing to condemn the attack on a BC woman minister’s office.
