Congress leaders "kidnap" Councillors amidst municipal floor test in Yellandu

HYDERABAD: Tensions prevailed in Yellandu of Bhadradari Kothagudem district as Congress leaders allegedly kidnapped two councillors affiliated with BRS and CPI in broad daylight during a floor test against Municipal Chairman Dammalapati Venkateshwara Rao on Monday.

Yellandu MLA Koram Kanakaiah reportedly obstructed the BRS motion of no confidence against the Yellandu Municipal Chairman. The situation intensified as he allegedly kidnapped BRS' 3rd ward councillor K Nageshwara Rao and CPI party's 23rd ward councillor K. Ravinder with the help of local goons.

BRS leaders alleged that the local police, despite the directives of the High Court for providing security, took no action leading to the kidnapping of two councillors in the presence of the police and the imposition of Section 144. BRS councillors claimed that Congress leaders have issued death threats, leaving them in fear for their lives.

The ongoing political turmoil stems from the 19 BRS councillors who submitted a notice on January 11, seeking a trust vote against the municipal chairman. With three councillors joining Congress during the Assembly elections, a special meeting for the trust vote was convened on Monday.

Former MLA B Haripriya accused the police of negligence and demanded the safe return of the kidnapped councillors.