In a startling accusation, Potthuri Venkateshwararaju, the state executive secretary of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has called for protection from the “psycho” MLA and Deputy Speaker, Konumuri Raghuramakrishna Raju, during a press conference held at his residence in Velivarru, West Godavari district. Venkateshwararaju alleged that Raju has conspired to have him killed, claiming that the MLA instructed his henchman to execute the plan in front of his family members.
Venkateshwararaju expressed his concerns directly to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Minister Lokesh, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, urging them to take serious action against Raghuramakrishna Raju. He criticized the TDP’s leadership for enabling Raju, suggesting that the party’s support has only emboldened the MLA’s alleged misconduct. “It is the TDP movement that has given him authority, and now he has become intolerable to the TDP leaders and activists,” he remarked.
During the press conference, Venkateshwararaju accused Raghuramakrishna Raju of engaging in illegal activities with the assistance of his associate, Kothapalli Nagaraju. He claimed that anyone opposing the MLA or speaking out against him, regardless of their affiliation with TDP or Janasena, faces harassment and fabricated cases. Venkateshwararaju himself has reportedly been victimized, stating that Raju is ready to orchestrate an attack on him.
The allegations escalated with Venkateshwararaju recalling a tense incident from the past election season, where Raghuramakrishna Raju allegedly directed violence against former TDP MLA Shivaramaraju, who was contesting as an independent candidate. When no one else stepped forward, Venkateshwararaju confronted Shivaramaraju at his office demanding the refund of his money, which resulted in a chaotic scene.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Venkateshwararaju challenged Raghuramakrishna Raju to confront him directly if he had the courage to do so. He vowed to provide evidence of Raju’s corruption and misconduct to the Chief Minister, Minister Lokesh, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan in the near future. “Raghuramakrishna Raju does not care about the poor; he orders the demolition of houses just for being located by the roadside,” he asserted, criticizing the MLA’s disregard for the welfare of the constituents.
Moreover, Venkateshwararaju pointed out the deteriorating communal harmony within the constituency, alleging that churches and mosques have been targeted under Raghuramakrishna Raju’s directives. He expressed deep concern about the ongoing violence and division in the community, claiming that such actions are a direct consequence of the MLA’s influence.
The unfolding scenario in West Godavari indicates a troubling political climate. With Venkateshwararaju’s explosive allegations against a sitting MLA, the TDP faces considerable pressure to address these serious claims and restore peace and governance in the region. As the situation develops, many are watching closely to see how the party and local authorities will respond to these alarming assertions.
