Is MP Midhun Reddy’s Arrest a Political Conspiracy?

Amaravati, July 20 (NationPress) Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party leader Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy vehemently criticized the arrest of party MP P.V. Midhun Reddy in connection with the supposed liquor scam, labeling it a political conspiracy aimed at silencing advocates for the people.

Jagan Mohan Reddy asserted that Midhun Reddy, who has served as a Member of Parliament for three consecutive terms, has been wrongfully accused through coerced confessions. He described this as a targeted act of political revenge by the TDP Government to distract from its own scandals and shortcomings, as mentioned in a statement on the social media platform ‘X’.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) apprehended Midhun Reddy after a lengthy seven-hour interrogation in Vijayawada. A court subsequently ordered his detention until August 1.

The former Chief Minister claimed that the alleged liquor scam is merely a fabricated story, designed for media attention and to obscure genuine issues. He contended that the case relies on statements obtained under duress, threats, and even bribery.

“The fact that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is currently out on bail regarding a liquor policy case from 2014-2019 serves as undeniable proof of his desperate tactics. He is attempting to invalidate his own case and rationalize his policy for 2024-2029 by criticizing the policies established by the YSRCP Government,” Jagan Mohan Reddy stated.

“More concerning is the fact that while accusing YSRCP leaders of a liquor scam, the current TDP-led coalition is reinstating the very corrupt practices that the YSRCP had eradicated. Belt shops and illegal liquor outlets, labeled as permit rooms, have resurfaced. The present government is reversing the YSRCP's achievements in shutting down thousands of such establishments and is now endorsing backdoor liquor sales outside MRP, undermining regulatory enforcement,” the former CM alleged.

“Corruption and Mafia have re-entered the process of granting wine shop licenses, thereby impacting the order placements to distilleries, reversing the transparent government system we implemented in 2019,” he added.

The YSRCP leader accused Chandrababu Naidu of abusing state agencies and the biased media to settle political scores. Ironically, Naidu himself is on bail in several serious corruption cases, including one linked to liquor during his tenure from 2014 to 2019. During that period, private liquor syndicates flourished, and corruption became systemic.

After gaining power, Naidu halted investigations into significant corruption cases involving him and his close allies. To divert the spotlight and evade responsibility, he has plotted to fabricate a politically motivated liquor case against YSRCP leaders.

“The true agenda of the TDP is now evident. They intend to use the SIT to detain YSRCP leaders under the pretense of an investigation and prolong the legal process to keep them incarcerated indefinitely. However, once the trial commences, the truth will surface. This is a baseless, politically charged case lacking any legal foundation,” stated Jagan Mohan Reddy.

“The arrests of YSRCP leaders are not due to any guilt but because the party is firmly entrenched in the hearts of the populace. This is not a judicial process; it is a political witch-hunt aimed at destabilizing a robust opposition. Whenever such conspiracies have been concocted to undermine the YSRCP, we have responded with resilience. We have gained our position by standing with the people and amplifying their voice. This is how the YSRCP has attained its current standing, by confronting injustices head-on,” the former CM asserted.

“The misuse of power by the TDP, as outlined, constitutes a violation of democratic principles. I assure the public that despite the challenges ahead, the YSRCP will steadfastly support the people, acting as their voice and protector now and in the future,” he concluded.