The death of Andhra Pradesh's former assembly Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao has started a political slugfest in the state. First, it was TDP president Chandrababu Naidu who alleged that the former Speaker killed himself due to the humiliation meted out by the YSRCP led government. Now, Minister of Civil Supplies Kodali Nani has retorted that Rao committed suicide as he was sidelined and humiliated by the TDP. The minister said that the government did not involve in any witch-hunting, as alleged by the TDP.
Nani further asked the Telangana government to investigate Chandrababu Naidu in relation with the death. He alleged that Naidu was either directly or indirectly responsible for the death of Rao as that he was neglected and overlooked by the party president.
Nani alleged that Rao had sought the appointment of Naidu on Monday, which he allegedly denied, following which Rao took the extreme step. “Isn’t it true that Rao sought your appointment on Monday which you (Chandrababu Naidu) denied?” Nani alleged.
Nani said that Naidu remained a mute spectator when Rao was attacked by his own party cadre in Sattenapalli. The minister said that Naidu could be attacked by the people of Palanadu for his pretence of love to Rao. “Go to Palanadu with the black cats and security provided to you. Don’t blame us, if someone attacks you,” he said.
Meanwhile, reiterating his allegations, Naidu on Tuesday said that after the YSRCP came to power, within two months, they filed 19 cases against the former Speaker and his family members. He said that Rao committed suicide due to police harassment.
“It is a murder by the government. He was harassed mentally, physically and financially,” Naidu tweeted.
The TDP also said that cases were foisted against Rao and family members by Jagan’s close aide and Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy. They said that YSRCP’s mouthpiece, Sakshi spread propaganda defaming Rao.
Regarding the accusations against Rao of stealing furniture from Assembly, they said that the former Speaker was in no way concerned with the furniture. The TDP claimed that the caretaker of furniture kept the furniture at Rao’s house for safety, and Rao informed about it to the Secretary of the Assembly. The Secretary, however, insisted on paying the cost of the furniture, TDP alleged.