YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) spokesperson Karumuri Venkata Reddy on 28 October 2026 accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of prioritising publicity over relief operations as cyclone-hit residents across the state continue to await adequate assistance in the wake of Cyclone Arnab. The allegations were made at the party's central office in Tadepalli.

Key Allegations Against the Government

Speaking to reporters, Venkata Reddy charged that the Naidu administration had failed on three fronts: evacuating people to safety in time, alerting district officials ahead of the cyclone, and delivering essential relief supplies to affected communities. He also took aim at ministers who, he alleged, claimed to be assessing crop damage through CCTV cameras rather than conducting on-ground visits to affected areas.

According to Venkata Reddy, crops across lakhs of acres have been damaged, and power and transport links have been severed in hundreds of villages. He alleged that the government announced a preliminary damage estimate before completing a field survey — a move he warned could shortchange farmers when compensation is calculated.

Demands for Immediate Relief

The YSRCP leader put forward a list of urgent demands, including immediate cash assistance, essential supplies, drinking water, safe shelter, and quality food for all affected families. He also called for the swift restoration of electricity and transport connectivity, and urged the government to take preventive steps against further loss of life as heavy rainfall is reportedly expected to continue.

Venkata Reddy additionally demanded payment of pending compensation and input subsidies for farmers still awaiting relief from Cyclone Montha, alongside a fresh comprehensive assessment and full compensation for all eligible farmers hit by the current cyclone.

Political Crossfire: Cyclone Relief and Local Elections

Sharpening the political edge of his criticism, Venkata Reddy alleged that the government's cyclone response campaign was being used to divert public attention from reports of violence and disorder during local body elections. He said that social media posts by Nara Lokesh — a minister and the Chief Minister's son — would do nothing to help farmers on the ground.

This comes amid broader tensions over the conduct of Tirupati Municipal Corporation elections. YSRCP has separately urged the Tirupati district administration to deploy additional security forces and ensure free and fair polling, alleging that opposition candidates have been subjected to harassment and intimidation.

YSRCP's Election Integrity Concerns in Tirupati

Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman and YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy wrote to the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police, demanding CCTV cameras at all polling stations within the Tirupati Municipal Corporation limits, additional forces in trouble-prone areas, and legal action against anyone intimidating candidates or election staff.

In his letter, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy stated that during the nomination phase, YSRCP candidates — including women candidates — were subjected to physical assaults and intimidation, and that the process proceeded only after directives from the apex court. He further alleged that corporator and mayor candidates continue to face threats, with party agents reportedly being forced out of polling booths ahead of the vote.

With cyclone relief operations still in early stages and local elections under a cloud of alleged malpractice, the political temperature in Andhra Pradesh is set to remain elevated in the days ahead.