Former MLA Prakash Reddy denies illegal fee collection allegations

Former Rapthadu MLA Thopudurthi Prakash Reddy has levelled serious allegations against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh, and sitting Rapthadu MLA Paritala Sunitha, claiming that the governmen t’s Jagananna Colonies sche me is being misused as a revenue source by TDP legislators.

Speaking to media in Anantapur on Monday, Prakash Reddy alleged that in every constituency across the state, beneficiaries of the house construction programme are being forced to pay ₹10,000 each. He challenged the accused leaders to prove these claims false.

The former MLA accused Paritala Sunitha of halting construction of nearly 50,000 houses in Rapthadu through a letter, which he said was publicised by sympathetic media outlets. Prakash Reddy recalled an incident where women from his village protested by throwing two tractor-loads of slippers at the legislator, warning that the public would not tolerate such actions if they continued.

Prakash Reddy further alleged that Sunitha uses her sons and brothers to instill fear in the district and suppress opposition voices. Questioning the family’s proclaimed charitable image, he demanded proof of their donations to the poor. He also accused Sunitha of obstructing water flow from the Peduru Dam, causing hardships to farmers, and claimed that the Paritala family had engaged in secret treasure excavations.

Demanding immediate resumption of house construction without illegal collection of funds, Prakash Reddy warned that continued obstruction could lead to strong public retaliation.