Political tensions in Andhra Pradesh escalated sharply on January 31 following an alleged attack on the residence of senior YSR Congress Party leader and former minister Ambati Rambabu at Tadepalli. The incident has triggered strong reactions from the YSRCP leadership, including former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who described the episode as a serious collapse of law and order in the state.
The clash reportedly occurred amid heightened political friction linked to public remarks made by Ambati Rambabu during a media interaction on the Tirumala laddu ghee controversy.
Background to the Incident
According to party statements, tensions rose after Ambati Rambabu made comments critical of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu while responding to questions on the laddu ghee issue. A recent CBI chargesheet had stated that synthetic vegetable oils, and not animal fat, were used in the disputed ghee supplies, exposing what investigators described as a financial scam while ruling out religious violations.
Following the remarks, a group of individuals allegedly gathered near Rambabu’s residence, leading to damage to property and what the party claims was an attempt to physically harm him.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s Allegations
Taking to social media, YSRCP president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned the incident and termed it a “murder attempt”. He held Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu responsible for what he described as growing violence and political intolerance in the state.
Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned whether violence had become the response to criticism of the ruling government and alleged that, after investigative reports contradicted earlier narratives on the laddu issue, the ruling party resorted to intimidation and attacks on opposition leaders.
Claims of Police Inaction
According to YSRCP leaders, individuals armed with sticks and iron rods surrounded Ambati Rambabu’s residence, while police presence allegedly failed to prevent escalation. The party accused law enforcement of acting as silent spectators during the incident.
The ruling Telugu Desam Party, however, has described the episode as a result of spontaneous public anger, while police later confirmed the arrest of Ambati Rambabu in connection with his remarks, adding another layer to the unfolding political dispute.
Formal Representation to the DGP
The YSR Congress Party submitted a formal letter to the Director General of Police, authored by party General Secretary and Central Office In-Charge Lella Appireddy, seeking immediate intervention. The letter described the situation as an emergency, alleging that unlawful assemblies and violent elements had surrounded the former minister’s residence.
The communication urged senior-level police intervention, deployment of adequate force, dispersal of the gathering, and immediate protection for Ambati Rambabu and those present at the house.
Allegations of Political Targeting
In its statement, the YSRCP alleged that the incident was part of a broader pattern of intimidation against opposition leaders who have been questioning the government. The party also referred to recent confrontations involving other YSRCP leaders, claiming these incidents reflect increasing political hostility.
Jagan Mohan Reddy further warned that repeated attacks on opposition leaders signal what he described as a drift towards authoritarianism, urging intervention by the Governor and seeking central assistance to ensure security for party leaders.
Current Status
As of now, investigations are ongoing, and authorities have not publicly detailed findings regarding responsibility for the violence. Police officials have yet to issue a comprehensive response to the allegations raised in the YSRCP’s letter.
The episode has intensified political tensions in the state ahead of upcoming local elections, placing the spotlight firmly on law and order, police accountability, and political conduct.
