Arrest of YSRCP Leader Pudi Srihari Sparks Controversy
Synopsis
The arrest of YSR Congress Party leader Pudi Srihari for social media posts against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ignited a political storm. Leaders from the party are condemning the action as an attack on democracy.
Key Takeaways
Pudi Srihari was arrested for social media posts against CM N.
Police confiscated his mobile phone and laptop during the arrest.
YSRCP leaders are condemning the arrest as an attack on democracy.
Legal actions against the police are being planned by YSRCP.
The situation raises questions about freedom of speech in Andhra Pradesh.
Amaravati, April 15 (NationPress) Authorities have detained YSR Congress Party's General Secretary (Media Wing), Pudi Srihari, for alleged social media activity directed against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Srihari, who previously held the position of Chief Public Relations Officer during the tenure of Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as Chief Minister, was apprehended at his home in Vijayawada on Wednesday morning.
The police have claimed to have confiscated his mobile device and laptop.
A case has been lodged against Srihari in Chittoor for sharing a cartoon that depicted Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu holding a knife.
Condemning the arrest as unlawful, YSRCP leader and former Minister Ambati Rambabu stated that Circle Inspector Netti Kantayya forcibly transported Srihari to the Kuppam police station.
In response to the detention, YSRCP's legal division remarked that the 'Red Book Constitution' has once again revealed its malicious intentions in the state.
The term 'Red Book Constitution' refers to a red-colored book carried by TDP leader Nara Lokesh during the 2024 election campaign, asserting it contains names of those who allegedly harassed TDP members during YSRCP's governance.
The YSRCP has expressed concerns that despite repeated admonitions from the High Court, the police continue to undermine democracy through illegal arrests.
The party's legal team announced plans to take legal action against Circle Inspector Netti Kantayya and has requested the High Court's intervention.
Meanwhile, Tirupati MP Dr. M. Gurumoorthy has condemned the 'unlawful arrest' of Srihari, asserting that the police illegally seized his devices during the operation.
“The ruling TDP is ridiculing democracy by enforcing the 'Red Book Constitution' to fabricate false cases against YSRCP officials in Andhra Pradesh. Srihari's arrest exemplifies the desperate lengths the ruling TDP will go to deflect attention from former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's scheduled visit to the Juvvaladinne fishing harbor in Nellore district today,” the MP stated.
“The YSRCP will not be intimidated by such fabricated charges and unlawful detentions and is prepared to seek justice through the judiciary to expose the undemocratic practices of the ruling coalition,” he added.
Point of View
The arrest of Pudi Srihari reflects an ongoing tension between political parties in Andhra Pradesh. The actions of the police, as described by YSRCP leaders, raise concerns about the respect for democratic freedoms. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial to monitor how it affects the political landscape and public discourse.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Pudi Srihari arrested?
Pudi Srihari was arrested for allegedly posting a cartoon on social media that depicted Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in a negative light.
What are the implications of this arrest?
The arrest has sparked outrage among YSRCP leaders, who view it as an infringement on democratic rights and freedom of speech.
Who is Ambati Rambabu?
Ambati Rambabu is a YSRCP leader and former Minister, who has publicly condemned the arrest of Pudi Srihari.
What is the 'Red Book Constitution'?
'Red Book Constitution' refers to a book carried by TDP leader Nara Lokesh, claiming to list individuals who harassed TDP members during YSRCP's rule.
What actions will YSRCP take in response to the arrest?
The YSRCP plans to initiate legal action against the police officials involved and seek intervention from the High Court.
