CM Chandrababu running a taliban-style regime: Botcha

Vijayawada, Nov 19:Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council and senior YSRCP leader Botcha Satyanarayana condemned the illegal arrest of YSRCP official spokesperson Venkata Reddy, asserting that Andhra Pradesh has descended into a lawless, unconstitutional, Taliban-style governance under the TDP, BJP and JSP coalition. Speaking in Vijayawada, Botcha criticised the government for abusing police machinery, disregarding constitutional safeguards, and suppressing democratic voices.

He said Venkata Reddy was arrested without notice, without proper papers and without following due procedure, and was produced before a magistrate only after midnight. The magistrate reprimanded the police and ordered his immediate release. “If a spokesperson expresses our party’s view on the suspicious death of TTD Parakamani case complainant Satish Kumar, is that a crime? If I say the same, will you arrest me too?” he asked. Botcha reiterated that Satish may have taken the extreme step due to severe pressure from the government and demanded a transparent and impartial probe.

Botcha warned that attempts to silence the opposition will not be tolerated. He criticised Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s intolerance when questioned about the privatisation of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). He reminded that during the YSRCP government, the Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing VSP privatisation and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy appealed directly to the Prime Minister from Visakhapatnam to protect the steel plant built on the sacrifices of the people. Yet the current coalition refuses to pass a similar resolution despite repeatedly praising the Centre for releasing Rs 11,400 crore. He questioned why the government is avoiding clarity and why journalists are being intimidated for asking legitimate questions when the Union Minister recently stated in Parliament that disinvestment will continue. “Is this Ambedkar’s democracy or a Taliban rule?” he asked.

Botcha added that Chandrababu’s outbursts raise deeper suspicion about the government’s real intentions. He explained that the core problem at VSP is the lack of captive mines, which increased raw material costs from 54 percent to 64 percent, damaging the plant’s financial viability. Instead of addressing this structural issue or securing captive mines like those provided for new steel plants, the State government is engaging in counterattacks and diversions. He urged the government to work with the Centre on securing a permanent and sustainable solution to protect the steel plant instead of running away from real issues.

Responding to media questions, Botcha said ruling party leaders making baseless allegations about Satish Kumar’s death reflects their incompetence. Those in power control the investigative systems and should present facts instead of slinging mud. He reiterated that YSRCP strongly condemns the illegal arrest of Venkata Reddy and warned that democracy cannot survive if dissent is criminalised. “Systems existed long before Chandrababu was born. He did not create them. He is dismantling them,” Botcha said, accusing the government of turning the police into a partisan weapon serving the ruling party instead of the people.