Published Feb 02, 2026 | 1:34 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 02, 2026 | 1:34 PM
YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu. Credit: facebook.com/Ambati-Rambabu
Synopsis: Former Andhra Pradesh minister and YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu was arrested in Guntur for alleged derogatory remarks against CM Chandrababu Naidu, sparking tense clashes between YSRCP and TDP supporters. After resisting arrest, he was taken in an armoured vehicle and remanded to 14 days judicial custody. YSRCP alleges political vendetta, while TDP defends the police action.
Former Andhra Pradesh minister and senior YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu was remanded to judicial custody and shifted to Rajahmundry Central Prison late on Sunday, 1 February, following his arrest amid heightened political tension in Guntur district.
Rambabu, who served as a minister in the previous YSRCP government, was arrested close to midnight on Saturday after several hours of standoff at his party office in Guntur. He was produced before a magistrate on Sunday under tight security and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. Police later transported him to Rajahmundry Central Prison under heavy escort.
The arrest followed the registration of a case against Rambabu for allegedly making obscene and derogatory remarks against Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Police invoked provisions related to intentional insult, public mischief and statements likely to promote enmity, stating that the comments, which circulated widely on social media, had the potential to disturb public order.
The developments triggered tense scenes in parts of Guntur and Palnadu districts. After the remarks went viral, TDP leaders lodged complaints demanding action. Supporters of both parties gathered near Rambabu’s residence and party office, leading to sloganeering and heated exchanges.
Police officials said the situation remained volatile on Saturday night as YSRCP leaders and supporters opposed the arrest, alleging political vendetta. Rambabu reportedly remained inside the his residence and initially declined to cooperate, asserting that the case was politically motivated and that his remarks were being selectively interpreted.
As tensions peaked, police deployed additional forces, imposed traffic restrictions and barricaded key roads in parts of Guntur city to prevent clashes. After nearly six hours of negotiations and crowd management, police took Rambabu into custody close to midnight and shifted him from the premises in an armoured Vajra vehicle due to the large gathering.
On Sunday, Rambabu was produced in a court, where his legal counsel argued that the arrest was unnecessary and amounted to selective targeting of opposition leaders. The defence maintained that the comments did not warrant custodial action.
The prosecution countered that the remarks were derogatory and provocative, and that immediate action was required to prevent further escalation and safeguard public order. Accepting the prosecution’s submissions, the magistrate remanded Rambabu to judicial custody.
The YSRCP condemned the arrest and remand, accusing the ruling TDP-led government of misusing law enforcement agencies to harass opposition leaders. Senior YSRCP leaders described the action as an attack on freedom of expression and alleged that TDP workers had attacked Rambabu’s residence and party office after the controversy erupted.
The TDP, however, defended the police action, asserting that no individual was above the law. Party leaders said the remarks were offensive and unbecoming of a former minister and rejected allegations of political vendetta.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
