Kavali MLA Pratap Reddy visit to coastal villages obstructed

• Cops obstruct Kavali MLA visit to coastal villages
• Police officials say his visit would ventilate disputes among local people leading to fatalities sometimes
• YSRCP MLA Pratap Reddy accused TDP leaders of mounting pressure on cops to obstruct his visit to meet constituency population

Nellore: Political heat started in Nellore coastal villages much before the commencement of elections whenever movement of legislators from the opposition planned in the guise of protecting tranquillity in sensitive areas.

The episode has been continuing for some time in Allur mandal where some villages have alleged political rivalries. Kavali legislator R Pratap Kumar Reddy has again been obstructed on Saturday for trying to visit the few villages.

Even though the area is sensitive, fishermen community also plays typical role while supporting local politicos. Now, as part of interacting with the villagers of five villages, Pratap Reddy has been objected by the police confining him either to house or to the party office keeping constant vigil on his movements.

Politicians from the ruling party were not directly involving in the issue, but police personnel were taking all measures to stop the movements of the MLA in connection with his earlier Padayatra in coastal villages and the current visit plan for meeting the people.

“A legislator cannot be denied his visit to his constituency constantly. As and when he makes any adverse comments or ignites any rivalry among local population, action certainly be initiated for such acts.

But, this seems to be a cat and mouse game where entry of a legislator is being thwarted,” said a political analyst.

Pratap Reddy, who interacted with the media on Saturday at YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) office in Nellore, said that he had earlier visited the areas as part of his Padayatra.

On 50th day, police obstructed his movements as the visit would ventilate political disputes and he stopped it. Recently, he planned to visit the villages and again police foiled his bid.

“Villagers from 5-6 areas close to Chandrababu Nagar are asking me to witness problems there and some interaction for development process. But, the police, who were instigated by the local TDP leaders, are not allowing me to do so.

Whenever I come out of my house of office, police personnel are following me. This has been due to pressure by TDP district president Beeda Ravichandra and others,” said Pratap Reddy.

On Saturday, MLA Pratap started from Kavali and police objected his movements and they followed up to Nellore where the legislator informed that he would be attending a programme in party office.

Pratap addressed the media and started to Chandrababu Nagar and again police took him into custody and shifted to unknown station. Cops, interestingly, who took the opposition MLA into custody, arranged lunch for around 200 people expecting the number.

Further, a police officer said that they were just following general guidelines to protect peace and tranquillity in the coastal villages as they are sensitive places.