Andhra: Voter who slapped MLA back at polling station fears his 'family is under threat'

A male voter has sought police protection for himself and his family after being assaulted by a YSR Congress Party MLA and his supporters for objecting to the politician’s family jumping a polling station queue.

Gottumukkala Sudhakar came under attack on Monday (May 14) during voting for both the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections at Tenali in Guntur district.

VIP culture prevails

In an ugly display of VIP culture, MLA A Sivakumar slapped Sudhakar after being told by his aides that the latter had objected to the politician’s family members not joining the queue of voters.

An angry Sudhakar hit back at the MLA, leading to a major scuffle as the MLA’s aides pounced on him and beat him up viciously.

Widespread condemnation

When the police intervened, Sudhakar first insisted on voting and then went to a police station to complain against the MLA. The assault ended only when other voters interceded.

The attack on the voters was widely condemned as it was caught on video and viewed by millions. 

‘I was beaten’

An anguished Sudhakar said the trouble began when he asked the MLA’s family to join the queue.

"He came to me and asked me, 'Who are you to question? How dare you?' And then he slapped me," said Sudhakar, his left eye swollen due to an injury.

“They (MLA and his aides) beat me up so badly that I was bleeding, just because I asked them to follow rules," he said.

Police protection

Sudhakar said he was worried for his family. "I don't know if my family is under threat. I seek protection for my mother, me and my family."

The police have registered a FIR against the MLA and at least seven of his aides on Sudhakar's complaint.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) too has registered a complaint with the Election Commission.