Press freedom under attack in Andhra Pradesh

Nellore/ Narasaraopeta, June 9: YSRCP MLC Parvatareddy Chandrasekhar Reddy strongly condemned the arrest of senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao and the coordinated attacks on Sakshi media offices across the state. 
Speaking at a press meet, he likened the current political atmosphere under the TDP-led coalition to an undeclared emergency. He said the government is targeting journalists and stifling media voices to cover up its administrative failures.
He explained that Kommineni was arrested for a debate he merely moderated—while the journalist who made the controversial comment had already apologized. He accused the TDP and its social media network of deliberately distorting facts and launching a vile campaign, including character assassination targeting the YSRCP leadership. He added that no YSRCP leader ever misused power to suppress criticism, unlike the ongoing "Red Book" vendetta now operational.
Parvatareddy also pointed out that law and order has collapsed under this regime, citing shocking incidents of violence against women and police inaction in cases involving TDP affiliates. He said this diversion politics aims to distract from the massive public support YSRCP received during its recent “Backstab Day” protest.
In a video byte released, Former MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy slammed Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for orchestrating the arrest of senior journalist Kommineni, calling it the beginning of a dangerous new trend in AP politics. He questioned the logic of targeting a debate anchor for another journalist’s remark and called it political factionalism in the name of governance.
Mahesh Reddy warned the ruling party that power is not permanent. He reminded Chandrababu that those who insulted YS Jagan and his family on yellow media debates were never arrested. He condemned the arrest and media attacks as draconian, and a clear sign of administrative collapse.