AndhraPradeshPolitics – YSRCP Targets TDP After MP Linked to Telangana Drug Raid
AndhraPradeshPolitics – A political controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh after opposition leaders raised serious concerns over allegations linking a Member of Parliament to a drug-related incident in neighbouring Telangana. Leaders of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) have sharply criticised the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition government, claiming the episode reflects a wider problem of drug circulation and governance failures in the state.
Opposition Criticises Government Over Drug Allegations
YSRCP leader Rachamallu Siva Prasad Reddy accused the ruling coalition of failing to address the growing concerns about narcotics and illegal substances. Speaking to reporters, he alleged that the state, once celebrated for its agricultural strength and referred to as “Annapurna,” is now facing increasing challenges related to drugs and illicit activities.
Reddy pointed to reports involving Eluru MP Putta Mahesh Yadav, who was reportedly caught during a gathering in Telangana where drugs were allegedly consumed. According to the YSRCP leader, the incident has drawn national attention and caused embarrassment to Andhra Pradesh.
He questioned why Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had not issued a clear response despite the seriousness of the matter. Reddy argued that the silence from the state leadership has raised concerns among citizens about accountability and governance.
Claims of Growing Drug Activity in Several Regions
Rachamallu further alleged that incidents involving drugs, cannabis and illegal liquor have surfaced in multiple parts of Andhra Pradesh since the coalition government assumed office. He cited locations such as Guntur, Mangalagiri and Visakhapatnam where authorities have reportedly registered cases related to narcotics.
According to him, the alleged involvement of public representatives or individuals linked to political leaders in such cases indicates a worrying trend. He added that earlier reports had also connected relatives of political figures to similar controversies.
The YSRCP leader also expressed concern over reports that police officers were fired upon during the Telangana raid. He described the development as alarming and suggested that such actions could indicate the presence of organised criminal networks operating behind the scenes.
Demand for Resignation and Government Clarification
Rachamallu demanded that MP Putta Mahesh Yadav step down from his position until the matter is clarified. He also called on Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to publicly explain the government’s stance on the issue.
He argued that the administration should focus on addressing the drug problem rather than engaging in what he described as political vendetta and “red book politics.” According to him, the public deserves clarity on how the government intends to tackle the alleged spread of narcotics.
Former MLA Questions Standards in Candidate Selection
YSRCP Kurnool district president and former MLA SV Mohan Reddy also criticised the alleged involvement of the TDP MP in the reported incident. Addressing reporters in Kurnool, he said the controversy has raised questions not only about the individual concerned but also about the standards applied while selecting political candidates.
Mohan Reddy said it was disturbing that a sitting Member of Parliament was reportedly linked to a gathering where drugs were allegedly consumed. He also referred to reports claiming that gunshots were fired when law enforcement officers conducted the raid.
According to him, such actions point to the possibility that a larger criminal network could be involved. He questioned why individuals present at the gathering would resort to firing at police officers unless there were deeper connections behind the incident.
Questions Raised About Political Accountability
The former MLA also recalled that during election campaigning, the MP had promised to support efforts to control drug-related activities in the state. Mohan Reddy said the allegations now being reported have therefore created a sense of irony and disappointment among voters.
He urged Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and minister Nara Lokesh to clarify whether the ruling coalition has taken note of the allegations and how it plans to respond. Mohan Reddy said the people of Andhra Pradesh are seeking clear answers about whether influential political figures might have links to the alleged drug network.
Telangana Police Raid Sparks Investigation
The controversy emerged after a raid conducted by the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) unit of Telangana Police at a farmhouse in Moinabad in Rangareddy district. The property reportedly belongs to former BRS MLA Pilot Rohit Reddy.
During the operation, authorities detained several individuals, including TDP MP Putta Mallesh Kumar, along with others present at the location. Officials have not yet released complete details of the investigation, and further inquiries are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the gathering.
Political observers say the incident has triggered a fresh debate on political accountability and the need for stronger measures to address drug-related activities in the region.