*AP turned into “drug capital”, TDP has become ‘Telugu Drugs Party’*

Visakhapatnam, March 16: YSRCP Visakhapatnam district president K.K. Raju strongly criticised the TDP-led coalition government that Andhra Pradesh has been turned into a “drug capital” under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Addressing the media at the YSRCP office in Visakhapatnam along with Visakhapatnam East constituency coordinator Molli Apparao, he condemned the alleged involvement of Eluru TDP MP Putta Mahesh Yadav in a drugs party in Hyderabad and demanded his immediate resignation from Parliament and expulsion from the party. Raju said the incident has shocked people across the state and accused the ruling party of attempting to shield the MP despite reports that drug consumption was confirmed in blood tests.

K.K. Raju stated that narcotics such as ganja, heroin and cocaine were being supplied freely across the state during the coalition’s rule and claimed that several ruling party leaders and supporters are linked to the network. He said it was alarming that the MP was caught consuming drugs and that shots were reportedly fired at police officers who raided the party, describing it as a dangerous sign of mafia-style culture similar to international drug cartels. He also criticised the TDP for previously spreading propaganda against the YSRCP government in 2024 by falsely claiming that a shipment arriving at Visakhapatnam port contained 25,000 kg of drugs, while later investigations confirmed it was merely dry yeast. According to him, the ruling coalition used the allegation for political gain.

Raju further questioned why the MP was granted station bail despite the seriousness of the case and accused the government of double standards, claiming that opposition activists face harsh action while ruling party leaders are protected. He said if Chandrababu Naidu truly respects constitutional values, he should ensure that Putta Mahesh Yadav resigns from the MP post immediately and face a full investigation. He also criticised the alleged involvement of coalition leaders in various illegal activities including liquor, ganja and sand mafias, claiming that such networks have turned Andhra Pradesh into a hub for narcotics.