RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM, Nov 14: Allegations of political discrimination and social boycott have emerged from Pithanivaripalem village, located on the outskirts of Mulaparru in Penugonda mandal of West Godavari district. Around 10 families, comprising nearly 40 people, have alleged that they are being socially ostracised for supporting the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) during the recent ZPTC and MPTC elections.
According to the affected families, members of a dominant group within their community imposed restrictions on them over their political choices. The victims alleged that community elders took a unilateral decision to socially boycott them because they supported the YSRCP candidate instead of the TDP-backed group.
Essential Commodities Denied to Boycotted Families
The affected families alleged that they were being denied access to basic necessities, including groceries, milk and drinking water. They claimed that local shopkeepers were being pressured not to sell essential commodities to them.
Some families also alleged that they were prevented from collecting drinking water from their neighbours and had to depend on other villages to meet their daily needs.
The situation has reportedly created difficulties for children and elderly members of the affected households. The victims also expressed concerns about sending their children to school, fearing possible harassment or attacks from members of the opposing group.
Families Allegedly Forced to Vacate Rented Houses
The victims further alleged that families living in rented houses were forced to vacate their homes following the boycott decision. They claimed that the restrictions had made it difficult for them to continue living in their own village.
The affected families said they were facing social isolation and economic hardship despite having the constitutional right to support any political party of their choice.
Police Complaint Over Political Discrimination
Pithani Subrahmanyam and Pithani Veera Venkata Satyanarayana, among the affected residents, reportedly approached the local police and lodged a complaint over the alleged harassment and restrictions.
They also submitted a representation to former MLA Ranganath Raju, seeking his intervention in the matter.
The victims appealed to the authorities to ensure their safety, restore access to essential commodities and take action against those responsible for the alleged social boycott.
Tahsildar and Police Officials Visit the Village
Following the complaints, Tahsildar Anita Kumari, Circle Inspector Vijay Kumar and Sub-Inspector Gangadhara Rao visited Pithanivaripalem and enquired into the allegations.
Revenue and police officials reportedly held discussions with both groups in an effort to resolve the dispute. Revenue officials also issued notices and convened a meeting to address the issue.
Social Boycott Raises Concerns Over Democratic Rights
The alleged social boycott in Pithanivaripalem has raised serious concerns about political freedom, social discrimination and the protection of basic civil rights in rural areas.
Supporting a political party of one’s choice is a fundamental democratic freedom. The affected families are now seeking immediate intervention from district authorities to ensure their safety and restore normalcy.
The district administration and police are expected to take appropriate steps to address the allegations and ensure that all residents can access essential services without discrimination.
