In an interesting development in the politically volatile Tadipatri assembly constituency in Anantapur district, senior Telugu Desam Party leader and Tadipatri municipal chairman J C Prabhakar Reddy took up a day-long hunger strike on New Year’s Day on Thursday.
Setting up a tent at Gandhi Statue Centre, Prabhakar Reddy said the protest was aimed at explaining his conduct to the public, amid what he described as “divided opinions” about his behaviour.
Known for his blunt and outspoken style, the senior leader said he wanted to directly communicate his perspective to the people rather than rely on political intermediaries.
Speaking to reporters, Prabhakar Reddy said he was ready to change his conduct if the public felt it was necessary.
He reiterated that the people of Tadipatri were his highest priority and expressed his commitment to transforming the town into a more developed municipality by 2026.
As part of the protest, the municipal chairman displayed flex banners detailing the funds spent during his tenure and the development works undertaken.
He said he was prepared to provide a full account of every rupee spent and invited residents to contact him directly over the phone if they had any questions or concerns.
The hunger strike has generated political discussion, particularly as Prabhakar Reddy continues as municipal chairman while his son Asmit Reddy represents Tadipatri as an MLA.
The development has drawn attention within political circles, with both supporters and critics closely watching how the situation unfolds.