TPN, Andhra Pradesh: There were high expectations that after coming to power, the Alliance Government would take swift action against YCP leaders accused of crimes, scams, and other anti-social activities. With access to all relevant data on YCP leaders, many believed that action would be immediate. However, the slow pace of action has left the cadres of TDP, Janasena, and others disappointed. Even some media houses, supportive of TDP, have run debates on this issue, indirectly pressuring the government to act swiftly.
Key figures such as Mr. Vasudeva Reddy, implicated in the liquor scam, and Venkata Reddy, involved in mining scams, remain absconding. The question arises: how, with full knowledge of their activities, did the government fail to prevent them from escaping? The focus has primarily been on cases such as the attack on the TDP office and the attack on Mr. Naidu’s residence. Meanwhile, TDP leaders continue to accuse YCP leaders like Roja and Vidadala Rajani of land grabbing and other activities, but no cases have been filed against them.
One prominent figure, Mr. Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, who engaged in many illegal activities during the YCP regime, also remains free. His involvement in the burning of the Tahsildar’s office in Madanapalle was exposed, and Mr. Naidu even requested officials to visit the site by helicopter. Yet, no case has been registered against Mr. Peddireddy to date.
According to sources, BJP has granted permission to Mr. Naidu to pursue cases against YCP leaders but with conditions. Currently, Mr. YS Jaganmohan Reddy has 12 Rajya Sabha MPs on his side, two of whom have resigned and are ready to join TDP. The NDA government requires Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy’s support in the Rajya Sabha, especially with the upcoming “One Nation, One Election” bill. Additionally, Jagan has a majority in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council. Taking this into account, BJP has reportedly suggested two strategies: first, to demoralize the YCP cadre, and second, to tarnish YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s public image.
The goal is to politically weaken Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy, demoralizing his party’s leaders and cadre. Public debates and exposure of Jagan’s actions are part of this plan, aimed at creating a lack of confidence in YS Jaganmohan Reddy among his MPs and MLCs, encouraging them to leave YCP. Once a significant number of YCP members have defected, legal cases and arrests will accelerate. The recent controversy surrounding the Tirumala Laddu episode appears to be a well-timed and planned move, with more such incidents likely to follow until YCP’s support base crumbles. Only then will the cases against YCP leaders be pursued more aggressively. This is reportedly the NDA’s strategy.