Naidu said he had no problem with senior MLAs as they adhered to party discipline, but expressed concern about first-time legislators.
Published Aug 24, 2025 | 3:10 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 24, 2025 | 3:10 PM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu addressing the Mahanadu in Kadapa. (JaiTDP/X)
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu once again issued a stern warning to TDP legislators to maintain discipline. It was the recent controversies involving ruling party legislators that apparently prompted Naidu to read the riot act to the MLAs.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu once again issued a stern warning to TDP legislators: Maintain discipline or face the music.
Speaking at a meeting of TDP leaders at his camp office in Amaravati on the night of Saturday, 23 August, Naidu asked them to bear in mind that their reckless actions could tarnish the government’s credibility.
Recent controversies involving ruling party legislators apparently prompted Naidu to read the riot act to the MLAs. Allegations against the TDP legislators include high-handed behaviour, the most recent one being the involvement of Srisailam MLA Budda Rajasekhar Reddy.
He allegedly assaulted a forest department driver on 19 August. Naidu ordered an FIR against Reddy on 22 August, signalling zero tolerance.
“People are watching us. They elected us with a massive mandate. Irresponsible behaviour will damage the party’s image,” Naidu reportedly said at the meeting. He warned errant MLAs, stating, “I’ve spoken to suchs twice. If they don’t reform, I won’t call them a third time. Action will follow.”
Naidu said he had no problem with senior MLAs as they adhered to party discipline, but expressed concern about first-time legislators.
“I’ve spoken to 35 MLAs, urging them to act responsibly among the public,” he said. He cautioned them against arrogance and urged them to counter misinformation campaigns by the YSRCP. “Explain the state government’s good work. The YSRCP aims to undermine our welfare schemes,” he added.
Naidu has taken a tough stance against indiscipline since he became the Chief Minister for the fourth time in June 2024. He has pledged zero tolerance for misconduct.
At the cabinet meeting on 21 August, Naidu expressed displeasure over the misconduct of the MLAs from Amadalavalasa, Guntur East, and Anantapur. IT and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh flagged these cases, warning that indiscipline was hurting the TDP’s image.
Naidu’s order for an FIR against Reddy was a clear message to the entire TDP legislature party. He instructed ministers to closely monitor MLA behavior in their districts. A senior TDP leader said, “Errant leaders will be corrected within the system, or they’ll face external consequences.”
The warning also follows embarrassment from incidents involving two Nellore MLAs, suspected of securing parole for a rowdy-sheeter A Srikanth, on 20 August, without Home Minister V Anitha’s knowledge. Srikanth’s amorous escapades in a hospital added to the controversy.
Apart from that, Guntur East MLA Naseer Ahmed faced allegations of involvement in a “sex scandal,” while Anantapur legislator Daggupati Venkateswara Prasad is reported to have used abusive language against actor Junior NTR before the release of War 2. Amadalavalasa MLA Kuna Ravi Kumar stoked a controversy by allegedly summoning a Kasturba Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) principal to the party office after hours.
Naidu urged ministers and coordinators to instil discipline in new MLAs. “The NDA government must function effectively to address people’s problems,” he said, underscoring accountability.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
