Election season in Telangana just got a lot tougher for troublemakers. DGP B. Shivdhar Reddy fired off a no-nonsense alert Friday, promising severe consequences for anyone harassing government employees or cops on poll duty.
‘Nobody gets a free pass—not politicians, candidates, or activists,’ Reddy stated bluntly. He highlighted that dedicated staff toiling to conduct free and fair elections deserve respect, not rudeness or violence. Any obstruction of duty, he warned, will trigger the full force of the law.
The advisory follows a flashpoint in Sangareddy, where Congress heavyweight T. Jagga Reddy reportedly berated Inspector V. Shiv Kumar on Wednesday at a municipal polling booth in the 34th ward. An FIR was lodged Thursday by Sangareddy Town Police, prompted by Deputy Tehsildar Vinay Kumar’s complaint after reviewing incriminating video footage and speaking with the inspector.
Acting on orders from the Additional Collector (Local Bodies), Kumar formalized the charges under BNS provisions. Reddy has directed district SPs and commissioners to fast-track probes and prosecutions in similar cases, signaling a crackdown.
Leaders are encouraged to file formal complaints with higher-ups or the election body if issues arise, but vigilante justice is off-limits. The DGP called for collaboration from all political outfits to ensure smooth vote counting and compliance.
Defending his actions, Jagga Reddy accused police of mistreating his party’s workers, sparking his outburst. As Telangana navigates its local elections, this episode highlights the challenges of maintaining decorum amid high-stakes politicking. Reddy’s firm stance aims to shield election machinery from undue pressure.