Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Gourinath Chowdary died after he was attacked allegedly by workers from the Opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) with knives and axes in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district.
The incident occurred in Bommirreddipalle village where the attackers were believed to be led by YSRCP workers Pamayya, Ramakrishna and others. Chowdary was a prominent TDP leader in the area.
The murder sparked tension in the area, with locals expressing fear and anxiety. Police deployed forces to maintain law and order in the region.
Kurnool Superintendent of Police (SP) visited the village and assured the residents of strict security measures. Police also set up a picket in the village to prevent untoward incidents.
TDP General Secretary, Nara Lokesh, the son of Chief Minister-designate N Chandrababu Naidu, condemned the attack and accused outgoing Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of having a hand in the killing of his political rivals.
"Even though YS Jagan Reddy lost, he continues to write bloody history. TDP leader Gourinath Chaudhary of Bommireddypalle, Veldurthi mandal of Kurnool district was brutally murdered. Jagan Reddy is killing people even if they do not want YSRCP rule. If Jagan Reddy does not stop the politics of murder, the consequences will be severe," Lokesh tweeted in Telugu.
"Gourinath Chaudhary's family is supported by TDP. There is no question about letting the accused go. We will check the attacks done by YSRCP workers. We will maintain peace and order," he said.
In the 2024 Andhra Pradesh assembly polls, the TDP swept the elections, winning 135 of 175 seats, while its NDA allies, Jana Sena Party and the BJP, secured 21 and eight, respectively. The YSRCP, which won 151 seats in the previous election, was routed and reduced to just 11 seats.
