Tenali YSRCP MLA Sivakumar addresses voter slapping controversy at polling booth

Tenali: At a polling station in Tenali today, a conflict involving slapping occurred between a voter and the local MLA, Annabathuni Sivakumar. When MLA Sivakumar tried to enter the polling booth directly, he was stopped by a voter named Gottimukkala Sudhakar, leading to a confrontation where both parties ended up slapping each other.

MLA Annabathuni Sivakumar gave a statement regarding the incident. He stated, "This morning, my wife and I went to exercise our voting rights at the Aitha Nagar polling station in Tenali town. There was a long queue at the location. However, a man from my own community, Gottimukkala Sudhakar, openly disparaged me and the YSRCP, accusing us of favoring certain castes. He made derogatory remarks filled with hatred towards the YSRCP, which is known to support SC, ST, and minority communities."

"He resides in Bengaluru but originates from Aitha Nagar... Both of us belong to the Kamma community. TDP and Janasena parties are indulging in this kind of vile behavior, even bringing people from places like America to vote."

"Today, he was drunk and, while my wife and I were about to vote, he spoke inappropriately, demanding why I should not queue up like others. Nandendla Manohar had just voted... Did he stand in the queue? It’s a custom for MLAs and candidates to directly go to vote."

"He not only insulted me in front of my wife but also verbally abused the lower castes publicly. He questioned, 'Is this guy really from the Kamma community?' Many voters there, including Kamma and SC community members, heard his comments. My reaction was indeed a response to his provocations."

"However, without mentioning his remarks, channels like ABN and TV5 and social media are portraying this incident in various ways. That is why I am providing this clarification to the public. Actions like these are why people are harboring hatred against the Kamma community," concluded MLA Sivakumar in his video message.