Published May 26, 2026 | 1:56 PM ⚊ Updated May 26, 2026 | 1:57 PM
Prof M Nageshwar Rao.
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh police on Tuesday arrived at the Hyderabad residence of political analyst Prof M Nageshwar Rao in connection with multiple FIRs registered against him over alleged defamatory remarks against Jana Sena Party leaders. Amid speculation over a possible arrest, Telangana police personnel also reached the residence to “provide protection”.
A large contingent of Andhra Pradesh police arrived at the Hyderabad residence of political analyst and professor M Nageshwar Rao on Tuesday, 26 May, in connection with multiple FIRs registered against him over alleged defamatory remarks made during a television discussion.
Amid speculation that he might be taken into custody, Telangana police personnel also arrived at the house to “provide protection”.
“The Telangana Police are providing protection to Mr Nageshwar. They came to our house. They are accompanying him even to the [99TV] studios,” said Sree Lakshmi, the spouse of Prof Nageshwar Rao.
The standoff follows multiple FIRs registered against Prof Rao in Andhra Pradesh following complaints lodged by leaders of the Jana Sena Party over remarks he made during a political discussion on 99TV on 19 May.
During the programme, Prof Rao claimed, citing “highly placed sources”, that Jana Sena Party leaders, including Pawan Kalyan and Minister Nadendla Manohar, had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking action against former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
He further claimed that Shah had described the ruling BJP-TDP-JSP alliance in Andhra Pradesh as temporary while referring to Jagan Mohan Reddy as a “long-term friend”.
Nadendla Manohar rejected the allegations as “completely false” and said no such discussion had taken place.
The JSP subsequently announced that it would initiate police complaints and legal proceedings against “anyone who disseminates falsehoods or levels baseless allegations against the party, its president Pawan Kalyan, or its leaders”.
Also Read: ‘Amaravati project an ATM for corruption’, Jagan renews attack on Naidu
Police booked Prof Rao under Sections 192, 196, 352, 353 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, invoking charges related to provoking a breach of peace, promoting enmity between groups, intentional insult, spreading false information likely to cause public unrest, and criminal conspiracy.
One FIR at Indrapalem police station was registered against Prof Rao, the editorial chief of 99TV, and the programme moderator.
A second FIR at Bandar Taluk police station was registered against A Venkat Reddy, administrator of the GreatAndhra website, for publishing Prof Rao’s remarks.
A third FIR at Sarpavaram police station named Prof Rao, 99TV, moderator Kommineni Srinivasa Rao and Sakshi Media for allegedly amplifying the comments.
Amid the criticism and police action, Prof Rao appeared on television on 21 May and withdrew his remarks unconditionally.
“Someone might have given me incorrect information. I should have verified it further. Out of respect for Nadendla Manohar, and to prevent the issue from escalating further, I am rescinding my remarks,” he said.
The JSP accepted the withdrawal and appealed to its workers and alliance partners to consider the matter closed. Despite this, the police cases were not withdrawn.
Also Read: ECI announces SIR Phase III across 16 States, 3 UTs including Karnataka, AP and Telangana
The filing of the cases has drawn criticism from opposition parties and political leaders in Telangana.
BRS leader T Harish Rao termed the action “vengeful” and accused the government of trying to harass Prof Rao.
CPI leader Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao condemned the police action, saying Prof Rao had spent decades analysing political, social and economic developments and should be regarded as a public intellectual.
Similarly, senior BJP leader and former party general secretary P Muralidhar Rao urged the Andhra Pradesh government to withdraw the cases, saying the action “does not send the right message” and “serves no meaningful purpose”.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
