YSRCP alleges ED searches in Viveka murder case aim to divert attention from other issues

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has alleged that the recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches in connection with the murder of former MP Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy are a deliberate attempt to divert public attention from what it calls 'serious issues' facing the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking at the party's central office in Tadepalli on Monday, YSRCP State general secretary Gadikota Srikanth Reddy claimed that the state is currently witnessing intense public debate over several matters, including alleged irregularities in DSC (District Selection Committee) recruitment, the recovery of ganja from a vehicle carrying police officers, the obstruction of Sugali Preethi’s mother during her wheelchair protest, and an incident involving the son of ruling party MP Lingamaneni Ramesh in which a young woman died.

Mr. Reddy noted that the ED has now entered the Vivekananda Reddy murder case for the first time, conducting searches at the residence of YSRCP Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy. He questioned why the case, which has already been investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and later by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), is being reopened now, and why obstacles are being created for a full trial.

“Vivekananda Reddy was our leader and the brother of late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Stop false narratives and diversion politics. Let the investigation and trial proceed, and let the truth come before the people,” Mr. Srikanth Reddy said, reaffirming the YSRCP's demand for an unhindered judicial process.

He also challenged the state government to order a CBI probe into the DSC irregularities, particularly those related to the sports quota, adding that the YSRCP is equally prepared for a CBI inquiry into the Group-I irregularities being cited against the previous government.

The ED searches come amid a politically charged atmosphere in the state, with the opposition and ruling parties trading accusations over corruption and governance. The Vivekananda Reddy murder case has been a sensitive issue, and any developments are closely watched. The YSRCP's statements reflect its stance that the current government is using the case to deflect attention from its own troubles.

Neither the state government nor the ED has yet responded to these allegations. The trial in the murder case is currently pending before the courts.