A tense atmosphere prevailed in Guntur district on Friday with senior YSR Congress party leader and former minister Ambati Rambabu using foul words against Telugu Desam Party president and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, which led to the TDP cadres attacking his vehicle with sticks and rods.
Ambati and his party cadres were protesting against installation of a flex banner by the TDP cadres highlighting the alleged adulteration of ghee used in the preparation of the famed Tirupati laddus during the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy regime.
The banner, placed near the NTR statue at Gorantla, triggered tension between cadres of the two parties, with Ambati Rambabu leading the protests and the TDP workers retaliating.
Ambati warned that the banner should be removed immediately or his party workers would do so themselves.
On Saturday morning, Ambati Rambabu performed special prayers at the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Gorantla and announced that he would proceed towards the flex site thereafter.
Anticipating confrontation, TDP leaders and supporters gathered in large numbers near the banner. Police, sensing the possibility of violence, deployed additional security personnel in the area and urged Ambati not to visit the location.
However, as Ambati’s convoy passed through the route after the temple visit, TDP activists allegedly blocked his vehicle, escalating the situation.
When Ambati attempted to step out of his car, police intervened and restrained him, preventing further escalation.
During the heated exchange, Ambati made abusive and objectionable comments like “b… rd” and “amma mogudu” against Naidu.
The situation turned volatile, prompting police to escort Ambati away from the spot to restore calm.
Following the incident, Guntur district TDP president Pilli Manikya Rao submitted a formal complaint to the Superintendent of Police, demanding criminal action against Ambati for his remarks against the chief minister. A case has been registered based on the complaint.
YSRCP said that a large group of TDP followers allegedly attacked Ambati Rambabu’s residence using sticks and iron rods.
Preliminary information suggests that hundreds of TDP supporters carried out the attack in a coordinated manner under the direction of Galla Madhavi.
The mob allegedly forced its way into the house and caused extensive damage to property. A car parked at the residence was also destroyed.
Eyewitnesses said that the attackers remained at the spot for a considerable time and continued the assault in an organised manner, indicating an intent to cause fatal harm to the former minister.
The YSRCP alleged that Naidu had sent his party cadres to attack Ambati and kill him. They describe it as a murder attempt by Naidu. The allegations and counter-allegations continue to heat up the state politics.
