More trouble awaits Chandrababu Naidu in old cases; Lokesh might be grilled by AP CID

Vijayawada: Within less than 24 hours of placing Chandrababu Naidu in judicial remand for the AP Skill Development scam, the AP CID filed another petition in the ACB court in Vijayawada, seeking his custody in the Amaravati Ring Road case, allegedly favouring realtor Lingamaneni Ramesh.

However, sources within the YSRCP suggest that more cases await Naidu, with substantial evidence gathered in at least three files related to the Amaravati scams, accompanied by non-bailable warrants.

Further sources suggest that if all goes as per plan, not only Naidu but also his key aides, including his son Nara Lokesh, are expected to be grilled by the AP CID around the time of Dussehra.

Sources from the TDP confirmed that they received a tip about the impending arrest a few days prior, although they were uncertain about the specific charges. In a public interaction at Rayadurgam in Ananthapur district on September 7, Naidu himself anticipated the possibility of arrest or attack, stating, “I might be arrested or attacked but I won’t back down.”

Furthermore, it has been alleged that the entire episode unfolded with the knowledge of the central leadership of the BJP. CM Jagan is reportedly scheduled to meet with the BJP central leadership upon his return from London, within a week.

What is the motive behind Naidu’s arrest?

Political pundits opine that, the arrests are believed to be a strategic move in response to the India Today C Voter survey released on August 24, which predicted a TDP victory with 15 MPs.

Sources also confirmed that recognising the potential impact of anti-incumbency sentiments surrounding unfulfilled promises and developmental issues, there was an effort to ensnare TDP leaders in legal issues, potentially impeding their role in poll management.

Setting aside the sympathy factor that is working on the ground in Chandrababu’s favour, arresting him is viewed as a strategic advantage for the YSRCP, particularly at the grassroots level. It has revitalised the YSRCP cadre who were previously disengaged due to various local-level issues, including pending work and internal conflicts.

AP CM Jagan’s pending promises of bifurcation promises, initially pledged to get it done by the BJP, have been a persistent point of contention, often attributed by TDP to Jagan’s CBI cases in which he is implicated as the A1 (Accused 1). This shift in narrative seeks to redirect attention from Jagan’s unmet promises to a perceived Jagan versus CBN dynamic.

However, the TDP is counting on the sympathy factor, believing it could sway the elections in their favour, especially if they anticipate an early election call by the YSRCP.

Day one in the Jail

Home-cooked food, medication, and a special room were among the amenities granted by the court to Naidu during his judicial custody. The 73-year-old former chief minister has been provided with a separate accommodation inside the jail given the purported threat to his life. He is a Z-plus category security protectee.

Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party observed a statewide bandh on Monday in protest against the arrest of its leader. East Godavari SP P Jagadeesh said security has been beefed up in Rajamahendravaram in East Godavari district and around the central prison where Naidu is currently lodged.