The former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh alleged that the police had become an “oppressive arm” of the ruling TDP and had contributed to the recent killing of a YSRCP worker.
Published Apr 10, 2025 | 12:09 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 10, 2025 | 12:09 AM
Former Andhra Pradesh CM YSR Jagan Mohan Reddy and Home Minister V Anita
Synopsis: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has drawn sharp criticism after threatening to “strip” police officers of their uniforms once he regains power, accusing them of colluding with the ruling TDP. His remarks, made during a speech in Ramagiri on 8 April, were condemned by the TDP as unbecoming of his stature.
A warning by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy that he would “strip” the police of their uniforms once he returns to power has sparked a fierce backlash from the police and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led state government.
The remarks were made on Tuesday, 8 April, during a visit to Ramagiri in Satya Sai district, where he addressed supporters after meeting the family of YSRCP worker Kuruba Lingamaiah, who was allegedly murdered by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers on 30 March.
Accusing the police of siding with the ruling TDP, he said: “The TDP will not stay in power forever. Once we return to power, I will strip you of your uniforms. You will face consequences for siding with them. I will repay you with interest.”
He went on to allege that the police had become an “oppressive arm” of the TDP and had contributed to the killing of Lingamaiah during a recent local body by-election.
“Make no mistake,” he said, addressing the police directly. “I will present you as culprits in the court, and ensure you lose your jobs.”
Reddy also criticised the police for mishandling the murder investigation, questioning why only two suspects had been arrested despite around 20 allegedly being involved.
He claimed that a TDP activist had been included as a witness in an effort to weaken the case.
The comments were met with an immediate rebuttal from Sub-Inspector (SI) Sudhakar Yadav in Satya Sai district. “The police uniform is not a gift from any politician. It is earned through hard work,” he said. “He should watch his words.”
On Wednesday, 9 April, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V Anita commended the SI’s response.
“I appreciate his guts,” she said. “It is unbecoming of Jagan Mohan Reddy to threaten to strip policemen of their uniforms, especially when the SP, DIG, and several officers are women.”
She accused the opposition leader of attempting to provoke unrest and damage the image of the TDP-led National Democratic Alliance government.
“A policeman earns that uniform through rigorous tests, whether an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer or a constable. He should hang his head in shame for making such comments, forgetting he was once the Chief Minister,” she added.
Minister Anita also addressed an incident during Reddy’s visit, when hundreds of YSRCP supporters reportedly forced their way to the helipad.
Approximately 150 police officers had been deployed at the site, where the YSRCP later claimed the helicopter’s windshield was damaged.
While YSRCP alleged the incident was due to a security lapse, the minister rejected the claim, saying: “If the windshield was truly broken, how could the helicopter take off minutes after his departure?”
She noted that Jagan Mohan Reddy, now a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Pulivendula, is officially entitled to only basic 1+1 security but has been provided with Z+ security “graciously” by the government, owing to his previous tenure as the Chief Minister.
She also defended the police response, pointing out that they ensured Reddy’s safe return by road to Bengaluru – where he has been staying for extended periods since his party’s landslide defeat at the 2024 assembly elections.
Referring to past incidents, including an alleged stabbing with a ‘kodi katti’ in Visakhapatnam, a stone-pelting attack during a campaign, and the unresolved murder of his uncle Vivekananda Reddy, she accused the former Chief Minister of having a history of staging antics for political gain.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
