Clash ahead of gram panchayat polls in Suryapet: BRS worker killed

Tensions flared in Telangana’s Suryapet district just hours before the first phase of gram panchayat polling, after a clash broke out between supporters of the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS. Police confirmed on Wednesday that one BRS worker died in the incident.

The violence occurred in Lingampalli village of Nuthankal mandal on Tuesday night, shortly after the campaign period ended. What began as a verbal dispute between the two groups quickly escalated into a physical fight, with both sides allegedly using sticks and stones.

A 57-year-old BRS worker suffered severe head injuries in the attack. He was initially taken to Suryapet government hospital and later shifted to Hyderabad for better treatment. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival early Wednesday morning.

According to family members, the victim’s daughter-in-law is contesting for the ward member seat in the upcoming polls. They alleged that Congress supporters were responsible for the assault and filed a complaint with the police.

Nuthankal police have registered a case and launched an investigation. Although the situation in the village is currently under control, additional police forces have been deployed to prevent further disturbances.

As per the Telangana State Election Commission’s schedule, gram panchayat elections will be held in three phases on December 11, 14, and 17.

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao strongly condemned the attack, accusing the Congress party of resorting to “murder politics” out of fear of facing the elections democratically. He assured full support to the victim’s family and demanded strict action against those responsible.

KTR said the death of BRS worker Uppula Mallayya had shaken state politics. According to him, around 70 Congress supporters attacked BRS members in Lingampalli using sticks and stones on Tuesday night. Mallayya collapsed on the spot, while about 15 others were injured, including mandal president Munna Mallayya Yadav, who is undergoing treatment.

KTR said he had spoken to senior party leaders, including former minister Jagadish Reddy and former MLA Gadari Kishore, to gather details. He asserted that the BRS stands firmly with every party worker and urged them not to be intimidated.