Andhra Pradesh – Naidu Calls for Action Over Online Abuse and Trolling
Andhra Pradesh – Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday called for strict legal action against people accused of using social media to abuse women, members of the judiciary and leaders of the ruling coalition, including Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan. He said authorities should identify and proceed against those responsible for posts that violate the law.
Chief Minister stresses legal accountability
Speaking at a public meeting in Punnapuvaaripalem, Naidu said action could be taken quickly against political leaders found to be involved in online offences. At the same time, he said his government was focused on development and would not pursue political revenge.
The Chief Minister alleged that leaders and workers of the YSR Congress Party were linked to abusive online campaigns. The Opposition party’s response to the allegations was not immediately available.
Naidu said the State government’s priorities included climate preparedness, infrastructure expansion, industrial investment and improved administration. He accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation and attempting to create divisions that could affect development work.
Climate concerns and water availability
Naidu referred to the impact of the El Niño weather pattern, saying it had affected rainfall in several parts of the world. He noted that European countries were dealing with unusually high temperatures and said Andhra Pradesh had earlier adopted heat-mitigation measures in urban areas.
According to him, water was sprayed on roads in cities such as Vijayawada during peak summer conditions to reduce heat effects. He said similar approaches were now being considered or used in parts of Europe.
The Chief Minister said inflows into the Godavari and Krishna river systems had been limited so far this year. However, he said reservoirs remained at around 65 per cent capacity because of strong rainfall and water storage during the previous year.
Ethanol push and support for farmers
Naidu also linked rising fuel prices to the continuing conflict in West Asia. He said the situation had increased the need to promote ethanol as an alternative fuel source.
He encouraged farmers to consider crops such as maize, which can be used in ethanol production. Such cultivation, he said, could create additional market opportunities and income options for growers.
The Chief Minister announced that the foundation stone for the Rayalaseema Steel Plant in Kadapa would be laid on Thursday. He expressed confidence that the project would begin steel production by 2028.
Amaravati and law-and-order allegations
On the capital city issue, Naidu said Amaravati remained important to Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that the YSRCP was continuing efforts to hinder its development and accused some groups of organising confrontational protests with the backing of anti-social elements.
Referring to the reported disappearance of a young man in Vijayawada, Naidu said he had ordered the suspension of the Circle Inspector concerned and directed officials to act without delay. He alleged that Opposition leaders were attempting to use the case to create caste-based tensions.
Naidu also condemned social media posts targeting the families of Pawan Kalyan and remarks directed at Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha. He said political disagreement should not lead to personal abuse or attacks on women.
Industrial projects highlighted in Nellore region
The Chief Minister said Nellore district had the potential to become a major centre for economic activity and wealth creation. He said Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited was developing a refinery near Ramayapatnam with an estimated investment of about Rs 1 lakh crore.
He added that industries were being planned in the IFFCO Kisan Special Economic Zone, while 27 large industrial units had already been established in the Gudur region. A Mega Furniture Park was also under consideration, he said.