Telangana: Fireworks draw curtains on hostile campaign

HYDERABAD: On the last day of campaign for Munugode by-election on Tuesday, sparks flew at Palivela village when TRS and BJP cadres came face to face at a village centre at Palivela, home turf of Jamuna Reddy and wife of BJP Huzurabad MLA Eatala Rajender.
TRS leaders claimed BJP activists blocked their passage, while saffron campaigners alleged they were attacked. Both parties lodged complaints with the Election Commission.

Eatala told media, "TRS activists misbehaved with Jamuna, while she was on a door-to-door campaign on Monday. Today, TRS workers led by Palla Rajeswara Reddy and Narasmpet MLA Peddi Sudharshan Reddy attacked us and hurled stones. They came on 100 motorcycles and attacked us with sticks. BJP activists suffered injuries and 15 cars were wrecked."
TRS filed a counter complaint with ECI. Rajeshwar Reddy, in his complaint said, "TRS workers were on their way to attend KTR's roadshow in Munugode even as BJP's prachara radham was stationed for hours at Palivela village main centre, obstructing passage. Eatala, his wife, and BJP activists abused us and attacked our workers. It was a premeditated attack."
Eatala said, "They do not have courage to face defeat, so they resorted to attacks. My wife is the daughter of this village. Voters support her and everyone in village is rallying behind us." Telangana chief electoral officer Vikas Raj said, "TRS and BJP lodged complaints against each other. No other incident was reported from Munugode."