Condemning MLA N. Balakrishna’s comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP Floor Leader in the Assembly P. Vishnu Kumar Raju and MLC P.V.N. Madhav have demanded his immediate arrest.
Mr. Balakrishna made disparaging remarks against Mr. Modi at the ‘Dharma Porata Deeksha’, and went on to say that “dandopayam” (use of force) was the only alternative left, they said at a press conference here on Friday. They demanded that Mr. Balakrishna tender an apology by 7 p.m. when the Chief Minister would conclude his fast.
The BJP leaders said they would submit a memorandum to the Governor on the issue and would also take it to the notice of the Union Home Minister and the party leadership.
Mr. Balakrishna brought disrespect to the Telugus by stating that the Prime Minister would not be allowed to enter Andhra Pradesh and using words such as “warning” and “BJP will be driven away,” Mr. Madhav alleged.
He said the Chief Minister remained a silent spectator when Mr. Balakrishna was targeting Mr. Modi’s mother and wife too, and wondered whether the actor was out of his mind, or was deliberately asked to attack the BJP. He also deplored the attack on Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan.
‘Misuse of official machinery’
The MLC charged the government with gross misuse of official machinery for the deeksha by spending ₹20 crore with the Collector and other officials overseeing the arrangements. Various sections were coerced into supporting the deeksha, he alleged.
Mr. Raju said at least on his birthday the Chief Minister should admit that he had accepted special package in lieu of SCS and took a U-turn fearing YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s campaign for SCS.
All those who opposed the TDP, including Mr. Reddy and Mr. Pawan Kalyan, were targeted in a veiled attack, he said.
Recalling the shooting incident at Mr. Balakrishna’s residence, Mr. Raju said with the “family rule” going on in the State, it was difficult to expect any action against Mr. Balakrishna.
BJP city president M. Nagendra was present.
