Not Involved In BJP Candidate's Suicide: Vakiti Srihari

Telangana Minister Vakiti Srihari today categorically denied any involvement in the suicide of BJP municipal election candidate Erukala Mahadevappa in Makthal, and urged an impartial investigation into the incident that had triggered a major political controversy ahead of the municipal polls.

Addressing the media, Srihari said that he had nothing to do with the tragedy, and dismissed allegations linking him to the death as baseless and politically motivated.

He also expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

"I never called Mahadevappa. If necessary, check the call data. The real reasons will be revealed only after the post-mortem report," Srihari said, adding that he was ready to face any consequence if evidence proved otherwise.

"It is highly immoral to use a suicide for political benefit," he added, criticising attempts to "politicise" the tragedy.

The 45-year-old BJP candidate for Ward 6 of Makthal municipality in Narayanpet district was found dead at his residence early Tuesday, a day before the municipal elections. The local police registered a case of suspicious death, later recording it as abetment to suicide, and sent the body for post-mortem examination. No suicide note has been found so far.

The incident has sparked a heated political row. The BJP has alleged that Mahadevappa was subjected to sustained harassment and intimidation by rival political leaders, and that the pressure led him to take his own life. Party leaders, including State president N Ramchander Rao and Union minister Kishan Reddy, have accused Congress leaders of coercive tactics and demanded action against those responsible.

The State Election Commission countermanded polling in Ward 6 following the candidate's death, with a fresh election date to be announced later.

Officials have urged restraint, and said that the investigation would probe all angles to establish the facts.