The reality behind Andhra Pradesh's 'condom campaign' controversy

The reality behind Andhra Pradesh’s ‘condom campaign’ controversy

Numerous media outlets breathlessly reported that both the YSRCP and TDP were purportedly involved in the distribution of condom packets.

BySouth First Desk

Published Feb 23, 2024 | 6:06 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 23, 2024 | 6:21 PM

The YSRCP's and TDP's alleged branding on condom boxes. (X)

A recent uproar has erupted in Andhra Pradesh, entangling political factions in what can only be described as a peculiar “condom campaign”.

Numerous media outlets breathlessly reported that both the YSRCP and TDP were purportedly involved in the distribution of condom packets. However, the reality of the situation is far more intricate.

The condom conundrum

The heart of the matter lies in a video shared on Deccan24x7’s X handle on 21 February, featuring a condom box with TDP branding.

In the video, a man behind the camera asks another what he is holding. The response is nothing short of eyebrow-raising: “If there are more children, more funds must be allocated through welfare schemes. That’s why these condoms are being distributed by the TDP — to reduce the population to ease the welfare schemes.”

In a bid to intensify the propaganda, the YSRCP’s official handle denounced the TDP for descending to such depths of politics.

“The TDP is finally distributing condoms for their party campaign. What is this publicity madness? Will they share Viagra next? Will it stop there or will it further decline?” the YSRCP said on X.

త‌మ పార్టీ ప్ర‌చారం కోసం చివ‌రికి ప్ర‌జ‌ల‌కు కండోమ్‌లు కూడా పంపిణీ చేస్తోంది @JaiTDP. ఇదెక్క‌డి ప్ర‌చార పిచ్చి? నెక్ట్స్ వ‌యాగ్రాలు కూడా పంచుతారేమో? క‌నీసం అక్క‌డితోనైనా ఆగుతారా? లేక‌పోతే మున్ముందు ఇంకా దిగ‌జారుతారా @ncbn @naralokesh @PawanKalyan? #EndofTDP https://t.co/hnflIp8F8I

— YSR Congress Party (@YSRCParty) February 21, 2024

The underlying message of the video seems to insinuate that the TDP is unsupportive of welfare initiatives.

Reliable sources suggest that Deccan 24×7 was affiliated with the YSRCP, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.

Also Read: Why Jagan Mohan Reddy is unperturbed over YSRCP lawmakers deserting him

TDP reacts

The TDP retaliated via its official X handle, posting a video of a condom box depicting YSRCP branding. Accompanied by a selective excerpt of YS Jagan’s voice criticising the publicity tactics of the TDP.

సిద్ధం..సిద్ధం అంటూ కేకలు పెట్టేది ఇందుకా ? ఇలాంటి నీచపు ప్రచారాలు చేసే బదులు శవాల మీద చిల్లర ఏరుకోవచ్చు కదా @YSRCParty ?#YCPAntham #WhyAPHatesJagan #2024JaganNoMore #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/RBWftNefxo

— Telugu Desam Party (@JaiTDP) February 21, 2024

Further, it featured YSRCP’s ongoing campaign slogan “Ready” on the box. “Why are you saying ‘ready’? Instead of doing these dirty campaigns, you better collect money at the graves,” the TDP official handle said.

These tit-for-tat political satire videos have morphed into a full-fledged campaign between the rival parties. The saga continues to captivate public attention with its bizarre twists and turns.