The YSR Congress Party on Sunday strongly condemned the arrest of former minister and BC leader Jogi Ramesh, alleging that the TDP government is indulging in vindictive politics and attempting to divert attention from the Kasibugga temple stampede incident.
Addressing the media, YSRCP SC Cell President and former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu claimed that Ramesh was arrested for exposing a spurious liquor dump at Ibrahimpatnam. He alleged the government acted in retaliation and to shift focus when it was under pressure over the Kasibugga tragedy. He demanded the government announce a compensation of ₹1 crore each to the families of the victims.
Terming it a “template of diversion,” he said the Kasibugga incident was the third such stampede this year, following similar incidents in Tirupati and elsewhere. “Instead of taking accountability for its failures, the government is targeting opposition leaders,” he alleged.
Sudhakar Babu further claimed that illegal liquor manufacturing units were rampant across the state, including Tamballapalli, Amalapuram, Anakapalli and Eluru, alleging that one out of every three liquor bottles in circulation is spurious. He questioned why no large-scale raids were being conducted by the Excise Department and asked why Jayachandra Reddy, allegedly involved in an earlier spurious liquor case, was not arrested.
He reminded that the previous YSRCP government closed belt shops while “now they are running everywhere under ruling party patronage.”
The YSRCP leader also criticised the government’s handling of the cyclone crisis, alleging lack of timely relief, crop insurance, and compensation to farmers. He accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of frequently travelling to London without explanation, while “Lokesh and Pawan Kalyan are occupied with everything other than governance.”
Taking aim at a section of the media, he alleged bias and accused them of trying to “elevate Chandrababu Naidu” instead of reporting failures of the ruling government. “From fake laddus to fake liquor, the TDP is trying to divert public focus from governance lapses,” he added.
He asserted that the YSRCP would continue to fight against the government’s “vindictive politics” and would not be intimidated.
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Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
