Andhra Pradesh Government’s Crackdown on Opposition: 680 Notices, 147 Cases, 49 Arrests Over Social Media Posts in a Week
In a significant move, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has launched a widespread crackdown on social media activists and supporters of the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Between November 6 and 12, state police issued 680 notices, registered 147 cases, and arrested 49 individuals. These actions come in response to allegations that YSRCP sympathizers crossed a line by posting derogatory content about the “wives and daughters” of TDP leaders.
Those targeted have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to promoting enmity between different groups, defamation, public mischief, and criminal conspiracy, as well as under provisions of the IT Act for image morphing and posting offensive content. Prominent YSRCP social media activists, including Varra Ravinder Reddy, Inturi Ravi Kiran, and Kallam Harikrishna Reddy, have been among those arrested.
The YSR Congress has criticized the government’s actions, with party leader Jagan accusing the state of harassment, illegal detentions, and intimidation. The crackdown has sparked widespread debate on freedom of speech and the role of social media in political discourse, raising concerns over the state’s handling of dissent.