YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has “transformed into a drugs-driven party” under his leadership. His remarks have added fresh political heat to the ongoing war of words between the ruling TDP and the opposition YSRCP.
Addressing party workers and speaking to the media, Kakani accused the TDP leadership of failing to take strict action against individuals allegedly involved in drug-related activities within the party ecosystem. He claimed that recent allegations involving TDP leaders reflect a “deep-rooted culture of narcotics influence” within the party.
Kakani further alleged that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was indirectly shielding certain party members facing accusations linked to drug use or drug-related cases. He said that instead of acting firmly, the ruling party was trying to divert attention by targeting YSRCP leaders with false accusations.
“The TDP has now become a drugs-driven party under Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership. There is no seriousness in controlling the growing drug menace, and instead, opposition voices are being silenced with false propaganda,” Kakani alleged.
The YSRCP leader also demanded a transparent and impartial investigation into all recent allegations related to drug cases in the state. He said that public representatives should maintain higher standards of accountability and warned that political protection of accused individuals would damage the credibility of governance.
His comments come amid heightened political confrontation between the two major parties in Andhra Pradesh, with both sides repeatedly accusing each other of protecting or promoting individuals linked to illegal activities. The issue of drug abuse has become a key political flashpoint in recent months, with allegations and counter-allegations dominating the political narrative.
The TDP has previously denied similar accusations made by YSRCP leaders, calling them politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the image of the government. Party leaders maintain that the state administration is committed to strict action against drug-related offences.
Meanwhile, Kakani’s remarks are expected to further escalate tensions between the ruling and opposition camps, as Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape continues to witness sharp exchanges ahead of future electoral battles.
