Published Jan 31, 2026 | 8:26 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 31, 2026 | 8:26 PM
A mob, reportedly TDP workers, damaging Rambabu's car in Guntur.
Synopsis: The incident occurred at Gorantla on the outskirts of Guntur after Rambabu visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple and approached a controversial flex banner put up by the TDP. TDP workers allegedly ambushed him with sticks and iron rods, damaging the windows of his vehicle. The attack took place in the presence of police personnel, according to YSRCP leaders.
Senior YSR Congress Party leader and former Andhra Pradesh minister Ambati Rambabu was reportedly attacked by supporters of the Telugu Desam Party in Guntur district on Saturday, 31 January.
The alleged attack came amid escalating political tensions over the SIT report on the alleged adulteration of ghee used in Tirumala laddus.
The incident occurred at Gorantla on the outskirts of Guntur after Rambabu visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple and approached a controversial flex banner put up by the TDP.
TDP workers allegedly ambushed him with sticks and iron rods, damaging the windows of his vehicle. The attack took place in the presence of police personnel, according to YSRCP leaders.
The confrontation unfolded against the backdrop of the SIT report into allegations that animal fat had been mixed into ghee used for the Tirumala laddu prasadam.
The SIT concluded that no animal fat was found in the samples, a finding that YSRCP leaders have sought to aggressively publicise. In response, TDP leaders have attempted to counter the narrative, leading to repeated confrontations over the past two days.
YSRCP leaders alleged that TDP activists have obstructed their movements across the state. On Friday, 30 January, tensions peaked in Gorantla after Rambabu announced that an allegedly illegal flex banner related to the laddu controversy would be removed following special prayers at the temple. Anticipating his arrival, TDP workers had gathered at the site.
As police attempted to push back the crowd, TDP leaders allegedly tried to approach Rambabu’s car with sticks. While still inside the vehicle, Rambabu made strong remarks against Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the ruling party, triggering fresh political fallout.
Following the incident, TDP leaders lodged a complaint against Rambabu at the Nallapadu police station in Guntur. Police registered a case, and ministers and MLAs from the ruling alliance demanded his arrest for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the chief minister.
Responding to the developments, Rambabu said the flex banner featuring the former chief minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, had been erected illegally and insisted that he had not gone there to tear it down. He claimed that he was abused first and only responded in retaliation.
While acknowledging that he should have exercised restraint, Rambabu denied deliberately abusing Naidu.
“I know there are orders for my arrest, and I do not care,” Rambabu told reporters. “If you want to arrest me, go ahead. I am ready,” the YSRCP leader said.
He questioned the police response during the attack and asked why action was being sought against him while those who allegedly assaulted him with rods and sticks remained free. He also said he would not seek bail if arrested.
Rambabu, known for his outspoken criticism of the ruling government, intensified his attack following the SIT report. He accused Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan of remaining silent after the report cleared the ghee of adulteration.
He alleged that false propaganda had hurt the sentiments of devotees and tarnished the prestige of Lord Venkateswara Swamy.
Rambabu further claimed that the ghee tankers from which samples were taken had arrived during the tenure of the current alliance government and questioned why opposition leaders were being blamed despite the SIT findings.
He also challenged the omission of former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy’s name from the charge sheet, asking why no action had been taken if wrongdoing had occurred.
“The truth about the laddu issue is now before the public,” Rambabu said, asserting that the controversy had been deliberately politicised to target the YSRCP.
Political tensions remain high in Guntur and surrounding areas, with both parties trading accusations as police continue to investigate the attack and the events that led to it.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
