Chandrababu Naidu's arrest shakes up Andhra politics ahead of elections; Here's all you need to know
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been arrested in connection with a Rs 371 crore corruption case, casting a shadow over the political landscape of the state just months before crucial elections. This move comes as a blow to Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP), as several other prominent leaders from the party are also implicated in the alleged scam, which revolves around the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation, established during Naidu's tenure.
The investigation, led by the Crime Investigation Department (CID), has raised questions about the involvement of Naidu's son and TDP general secretary, Nara Lokesh, in the case, further intensifying the scrutiny surrounding the former Chief Minister's family.
The alleged misappropriation of funds intended for the upskilling of unemployed youth in Andhra Pradesh has created a significant stir in the political arena.
However, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's party, the YSR Congress Party, has taken a cautious stance, refraining from celebrating Naidu's arrest, recognizing the political sensitivity of the situation.
Reddy, who was in London at the time of Naidu's arrest, has previously accused Naidu of corruption and wrongdoing, though this marks the first time the former Chief Minister has faced incarceration.
Pawan Kalyan, president of the Janasena party and an ally of the BJP in Andhra Pradesh, has alleged that Chief Minister Reddy is using legal proceedings to tarnish political opponents, drawing attention to the growing trend of imprisoning political rivals. Kalyan contends that Reddy's ascent to power wouldn't have been possible if legal mechanisms had functioned effectively.
N Chandrababu Naidu, a prominent political figure, now finds
