In a recent media conference held in Ibrahimpatnam, former minister Ambati Rambabu boldly stated that there is no reason to fear the threats posed by Minister Lokesh under the so-called ‘Red Book.’ Rambabu’s comments came as a direct response to what he described as intimidation tactics being employed by the ruling party. He emphasized that the government’s actions, particularly against former minister Jogi Ramesh, who was unjustly imprisoned for 83 days, were rooted in political vendetta orchestrated by Chandrababu Naidu.
Rambabu highlighted that the wrongful incarceration of Ramesh has only heightened his popularity among the public. He accused the government of using police as pawns to suppress members of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), stating that cases are being filed against active party members to imprison them and stifle dissent. According to Rambabu, this is part of a larger scheme to undermine the opposition and maintain control.
In his address, Rambabu asserted that the more violence and intimidation from Chandrababu Naidu, the more determined the YSRCP leaders become to strengthen the party. He noted a growing sentiment among the populace, expressing a desire to see Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy return as Chief Minister, indicating that the public is dissatisfied with the current administration. He also mentioned that Chandrababu himself indirectly acknowledged this dissatisfaction among the people.
Rambabu criticized the coalition government’s approach to governance, claiming that their inability to fulfill promises has led them to resort to arrests as a means of diverting attention from their failures. He referred to the actions of Naidu and Lokesh as paving the way for their eventual downfall. Furthermore, he raised a poignant question about whether those who walked alongside the late leader Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy would be intimidated by the threats stemming from the ‘Red Book.’
He also addressed the controversy surrounding the Tirumala laddu issue, accusing Naidu of politicizing the situation and spreading misinformation regarding alleged fraud in the laddu preparation process. Rambabu questioned whether Naidu was unaware of the rigorous quality checks conducted during the laddu’s production stages.
Moreover, he asserted that even divine forgiveness would not absolve Naidu of his wrongdoings, particularly regarding the betrayal of the late leader N.T. Rama Rao. Rambabu firmly stated that Naidu lacks the merit to erect a statue in honor of Rao, given his past actions. He warned that power is not eternal, and the coalition government’s current oppressive tactics against YSRCP leaders will ultimately demand accountability in the future.
In conclusion, the former minister’s remarks resonate with the ongoing political tensions in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting the deep-seated rivalries and the ongoing struggle for power between the YSRCP and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). As the political landscape evolves, the response from the ruling party remains to be seen, but Rambabu’s assertions indicate a fierce resistance from the opposition and a rallying cry for their supporters.
