It is well known that attacks took place on Saturday and Sunday on the houses of YSRCP leaders Ambati Rambabu and Jogi Ramesh.
It is also evident that TDP supporters carried out these acts, and video evidence is available.
The stated reason for these attacks is the inappropriate and insulting remarks allegedly made by Ambati Rambabu against Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister and by Jogi Ramesh against Nara Lokesh, the Minister.
A case was filed against Ambati Rambabu for using objectionable language against the Chief Minister, and that may be legally justified.
However, the question remains, why were cases not filed, and why was the law not applied, against the miscreants who attacked the houses of these two opposition leaders?
Supporters of the TDP argue that no legal action was taken against the miscreants when the TDP office was attacked during the YSRCP regime, and therefore question why action should be taken now against TDP supporters when they set fire to the houses of YSRCP leaders.
However, the repercussions of such attacks are now being faced by the perpetrators under the present government. The people gave their verdict and defeated the YSRCP. Legal and other actions are also happening against them.
Well, that was an attack on a TDP office during the YSRCP regime. But the current incidents involve attacks on private residences and personal lives. The nature and gravity of these crimes are far more serious than the earlier attack on a party office.
Some may argue that they now have power and an opportunity to take revenge. But this is not cinema. Revenge does not conclude, it only perpetuates an endless cycle.
If YSRCP were to return to power, would all those seen in the videos be spared? No one can rule out the possibility of a change in government.
History shows that such actions push neutral voters away and ultimately benefit the opposition. This is precisely what happened in the 2024 election and could well repeat in 2029.
So who ultimately loses from all this? The image of the state of Andhra Pradesh. These incidents, occurring in and around the capital region, send a damaging signal.
While Chandrababu Naidu is trying to attract investments and develop the capital, incidents resembling “Bangladesh-like” violence, houses being vandalized and set on fire, discourage investors and slow development.
Chandrababu Naidu as Chief Minister, and Nara Lokesh as a young leader, may believe that they are asserting power or settling scores. In reality, by failing to take strict legal action, they risk damaging the image of the state.
If Chandrababu Naidu truly cares about the state’s reputation and future, he must act wisely and ensure the firm and impartial implementation of law and order. Only then he will be regarded as true stateman and sets a new example for future politics as well.