Despite repeated warnings from TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, several party MLAs continue to behave rudely with officials and display a high-handed attitude in their constituencies, creating a negative image for the party among the public.
It appears Naidu has been unable to control the situation, as more and more reports of such unruly behaviour by TDP MLAs are reportedly reaching his office.
Even media houses generally seen as pro-TDP, such as Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy, have reportedly brought such incidents to his notice, but there seems to be little change in the attitude of the legislators.
On Wednesday, Naidu reacted indirectly to the controversy involving Narasaraopet TDP MLA Chadalawada Aravind Babu, whose dramatic protest at the Palnadu district Superintendent of Police (SP) office has become a major talking point in the media.
Speaking at a pension distribution programme held in Vinjamuru in Nellore district, Naidu made oblique remarks that appeared to refer to the MLA’s behaviour.
“Some people are increasingly losing patience these days. Excessive exposure to television serials and crime-based content is negatively influencing people’s behaviour,” he said.
Without naming Aravind Babu directly at first, Naidu remarked: “Even yesterday, one of our MLAs went and created an issue in another office,” in an apparent reference to the incident at the SP office.
He advised officials, MLAs, public representatives, and citizens alike to manage stress better, and suggested that anyone under pressure should spend at least 20 minutes in meditation.
He said nothing would collapse if people paused for a while to calm themselves.
“If necessary, the government will arrange yoga and pranayama classes,” he said, urging people to lead peaceful and happy lives without unnecessary stress.
The controversy began on Tuesday, when Chadalawada Aravind Babu staged a protest at the Palnadu district SP office, objecting to the non-approval of a person he had recommended for the post of district police legal advisor.
The MLA reportedly remained inside the SP office for nearly 10 hours, insisting that he would not leave until the appointment order was issued.
During the standoff, he is said to have argued with the SP, who later left the office. The officer reportedly returned later, signed the recommendation letter, and forwarded it to the DGP’s office.
However, the MLA allegedly refused to back down and is said to have insisted that he would not leave until the actual appointment order was issued.
In a dramatic escalation, he reportedly entered a bathroom, locked himself inside, and continued his protest from there.
Senior officials, including IG Sarvashrestha Tripathi, and MLA Bhashyam Praveen reached the spot and tried to persuade him, but he reportedly refused to come out.
Even calls from the offices of Nara Lokesh and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha reportedly failed to resolve the issue.
As the situation dragged on, police personnel eventually had to break open the bathroom door using dumbbells and bring the MLA out.
The deadlock reportedly ended only after the IG assured him that the legal advisor appointment letter would be handed over to MLA Bhashyam Praveen within 24 hours.
Following that assurance, Aravind Babu finally left the SP office at around 9:45 pm on Tuesday.
The episode has since become a major talking point in Andhra Pradesh political circles, drawing criticism and raising serious questions over the conduct of elected representatives.