Opposition party president abuses CM Naidu in Andhra Pradesh

• Police make an arrest

• Ruling party workers vandalise the president’s house

Ambati Rambabu

Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) – Ambati Rambabu, the president of the opposition political party YSR Congress (Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress), abused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Following this, workers of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) attacked Rambabu’s residence. After a complaint was filed, Police arrested Rambabu from his home. The YSR Congress has now begun politicising the issue.

After Rambabu used abusive language against Naidu, TDP workers staged protests for several hours on the streets of Guntur and near Rambabu’s residence. Subsequently, they vandalised his house and vehicles and also set them on fire. Rambabu had earlier served as the Water Resources Minister in the previous government.

A planned conspiracy to silence those who question the Government: YSR Congress alleges

The ideological bankruptcy of the YSR Congress becomes evident when it claims that abusing the Chief Minister amounts to raising one’s voice against the government.

The YSR Congress alleged that Rambabu was subjected to a life-threatening attack and that his life is in serious danger. It claimed that a situation akin to “jungle rule” has emerged in Andhra Pradesh. According to the party, Chief Minister Naidu is allegedly presiding over an atmosphere of lawlessness and political vendetta. The party further alleged that such actions are deliberately carried out to intimidate voices questioning the government and that this is a well-planned conspiracy.

Editorial Perspective

• This incident presents a grim picture of Indian politics. It is outrageous that the president of an opposition political party abuses a Chief Minister holding a constitutional office. On the other hand, it is equally unacceptable that workers of the ruling party attack his residence. Under the principle of “Yatha Raja, Tatha Praja” (“As the ruler, so the people”), it hardly needs to be said what kind of example is being set before the citizens of the state.