Dr. Vivek Alleges ‘Attack on Democracy’ by Balka Suman During Kythanpalli Chairman Election

Labour and Mines Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy strongly condemned the alleged hooliganism by BRS leader Balka Suman during the Chairman election process at Kythanpalli Municipality, terming it an assault on democracy.

Addressing a media conference at the Chennur MLA camp office along with Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vamsi Krishna on Tuesday, the Minister stated that despite the Model Code of Conduct being in force and police barricades in place, Balka Suman arrived at the venue with a group of supporters and allegedly attacked their vehicle. He said the incident resulted in injuries to a police constable and a Congress party worker.

Dr. Vivek said that he and MP Vamsi Krishna had attended the municipality in their capacity as co-option members to exercise their lawful voting rights during the oath-taking ceremony and Chairman election. However, they were targeted and attacked by Balka Suman and his followers.

He asserted that the elections were conducted in a completely democratic manner without any pressure or coercion, but attempts were deliberately made to create unrest. The Minister alleged that during the BRS regime, democratic institutions were undermined and intimidation tactics were frequently employed.

Terming it unfortunate that Balka Suman was holding press conferences and making false allegations, Dr. Vivek pointed out that moving in groups during the enforcement of the election code is a violation of law. He added that they had to step out only after their councillor was attacked inside the municipality premises.

Stating that video evidence clearly shows the sequence of events, the Minister demanded that the police immediately register a case against Balka Suman and initiate strict legal action. He further criticised the political culture of the BRS, recalling incidents during the Telangana movement when the residence of K. Kodandaram was attacked.

Dr. Vivek asserted that after being elected as MLA, he had not filed cases against any BRS worker nor harassed anyone, and alleged that such violent behaviour stems from frustration following electoral defeats. He urged Balka Suman to refrain from hooliganism and respect democratic norms.