BJP Candidate's Suicide Before Polls Sparks Political Blame Game in Telangana
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Telangana's political landscape, a 45-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, E Mahadevappa, allegedly died by suicide at his residence in Makhtal town, Narayanpet district, on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred just one day before voting was scheduled for municipal polls, immediately triggering a fierce political slugfest between rival parties in the state.
Candidate Profile and Family Dynamics
Mahadevappa, an auto driver hailing from a tribal community, was contesting from the VI ward in Makhtal municipality. He had formally joined the BJP on January 25, marking a relatively recent entry into active politics. Officials revealed that one of his opponents from the Congress party was his own cousin, adding a layer of familial complexity to the electoral contest.
Immediate Aftermath and Election Postponement
Following the tragic death, poll officials promptly deferred the election in the affected ward. Palem Shivayya, the ward's returning officer, stated, "The new date for polling and other details will be announced as per State Election Commission directions." This administrative decision underscores the gravity of the situation and its impact on the democratic process.
Political Blame Game Escalates
The suicide quickly sparked a bitter blame game between the BJP and Congress, with both parties holding each other responsible for the candidate's death. The issue reached the national stage when Union Minister G Kishan Reddy raised it in the Lok Sabha, while BJP MP K Laxman mentioned the suicide in the Rajya Sabha. Both BJP leaders claimed that their candidate had been harassed by Congress members.
Congress, meanwhile, countered with allegations that internal politics within the BJP had driven Mahadevappa to take the extreme step. This exchange of accusations has intensified the already heated political atmosphere in the state.
Police Investigation and Initial Findings
Based on a formal complaint filed by Mahadevappa's family, Makhtal Police registered a case under BNSS Section 194 (Suspicious death) and sent the body for post-mortem examination. Narayanpet SP G Vineeth provided details, stating, "Mahadevappa died by hanging early Tuesday. We found no suicide note, and the exact reason for his suicide is yet to be ascertained."
Preliminary police investigation revealed that Mahadevappa had campaigned actively until Monday evening. When campaigning concluded, he was allegedly anxious about the election outcome and shared his concerns with family members. A Makhtal police officer noted, "We suspect that fear of a potential loss might be the reason behind this extreme step."
Protests and Police Action
Meanwhile, in a related development, Khairatabad DCP K Shilpavalli's team took approximately 100 BJP workers into preventive custody. These individuals were staging a protest in front of the DGP office at Lakdikapul over Mahadevappa's suicide. They were subsequently released later in the evening.
A constable involved in the bandobast (security arrangement) lodged a formal complaint against the protesters, alleging they used objectionable language against police personnel and obstructed them from discharging their official duties. Saifabad Police confirmed they would register a case based on these allegations.
The incident has cast a shadow over the municipal election process in Makhtal, raising questions about political pressure, campaign ethics, and the mental well-being of candidates in India's competitive electoral landscape. As investigations continue and political tensions simmer, the focus remains on understanding the precise circumstances that led to this tragic outcome.
