TDP Chief Naidu Calls for Action Against Attacks on Journalists in Andhra Pradesh

In a compelling move, Chandrababu Naidu, the National President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and ex-Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has reached out to the state's Director General of Police with a serious concern. His letter highlights a distressing trend of aggression towards media professionals, attributing this to the current YSRCP government's tactics to stifle opposition voices. Since taking office, the YSRCP administration has allegedly launched a series of assaults on journalists, a pattern that Naidu argues is orchestrated by none other than YS Jaganmohan Reddy, the party leader and Chief Minister.

Citing a particularly brutal incident involving Telaprolu Parameshwara Rao, a journalist assaulted on February 14, 2024, Naidu's letter paints a grim picture of the state of press freedom in Andhra Pradesh. He accuses Reddy of inciting violence against the media by publicly encouraging his followers to confront critics, further alleging that the Chief Minister has exploited police resources to intimidate and silence reputable media outlets.

Naidu's appeal to the Director General of Police is clear: take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and address the root of this hostility, including holding Reddy accountable for his role in fostering a climate of fear and violence. He emphasizes that prompt and decisive action is crucial for the protection of press freedom and the preservation of democracy in the state.