Congress demands re-polling in Old City

Hyderabad, Feb 2 (INN): The Telangana Congress has strongly condemned the attacked on TPCC President N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and Leader of Opposition Mohammed Ali Shabbir by MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi and his 'goons' at Mirk Chow Police station on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan, Leader of Opposition K. Jana Reddy and TPCC Working President Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said that the attack has exposed the failure of Law & Order and MIM's "Goonda Raj" in the Old City. They alleged that Asaduddin Owaisi himself led a group of nearly 200 'goons' and roamed around the Old City on bikes. They intercepted the convoy of TPCC Chief at Mir Chowk Police Station when they were about to leave after securing release of Congress candidate Mohammed Ghouse. They said police remained a mute spectator when Asaduddin Owaisi and his men attacked the Congress leaders. Shabbir Ali and Uttam Kumar Reddy sustained minor injuries in the attack.

Jana Reddy said that the MIM has rigged the election in the entire Old City while unleasing a reign of terror on the lanes and by-lanes. Therefore, re-polling should be ordered in all the 44 divisions of Old City. They also demanded immediate arrest of Asaduddin Owaisi and his followers who participated in the attack. He alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, Home Minister Nayani Narasimha Reddy, DGP Anurag Sharma and Commissioner Mahender Reddy were aware that the Congress leaders would be attacked. However, they took no preventive measures and allowed MIM workers to roam around freely. He asked as to why Asaduddin Owaisi came to Mir Chowk Police Station when no MIM workers or supporters were kept in police custody. He said that the MIM leaders were allowed to violate the Model Code of Conduct since morning. He said if MIM and TRS were so afraid of contesting elections, then KCR should have nominated all Corporators instead of facing polls.

Bhatti said despite several reminders to State Election Commission and other authorities, no steps were taken to stop MIM's rowdism in the Old City. He said Congress candidates Mohammed Ghouse of Puranapul and Mohammed Abdul Irfan of Lalithabagh were illegally arrested. The contesting candidates in other division were not allowed to enter the polling stations while MIM workers were given a free hand to rig the polls.

Former MP M. Anjan Kumar Yadav warned the MIM of strong retaliation if it continues it spree of violence.

Former PCC President Ponnala Lakshmaiah, MLC Farooq Hussain, former union minister T. Balram Naik, MLA T. Rammohan Reddy and Youth Congress president Anil Kumar Yadav were also present.