A wave of public criticism has erupted over the contrasting behavior of some police officers in Andhra Pradesh, with social media users calling out the apparent double standards. While officers today are accused of acting against YSRCP workers, their silence during previous verbal assaults and threats made by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders has sparked widespread outrage.
The issue gained fresh momentum after former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy issued a stern warning to officers found aiding lawlessness. His remarks have drawn the ire of certain police personnel, including Ramagiri SI Sudhakar Yadav. However, netizens are responding with sharp retorts, sharing old videos and statements of TDP leaders that went unchallenged by the police at the time.
Unparliamentary language, Open Threats: Timeline of TDP’s assault
Naidu’s Verbal Attacks
While serving as the opposition leader, N. Chandrababu Naidu made several aggressive and controversial statements against the police. In Anaparthi (18 February 2023), he called police “anti-social forces” and issued warnings like, “Beware… You’ll still have to work under me tomorrow.” He reportedly told the police, “I’ll have you thrashed,” and even mocked them with phrases like, “You donkeys… Come here, I’ll show you.”
In Chittoor, his defiance against police restrictions led to violence, including a tragic incident where a police officer lost an eye. At Angallu, he was accused of inciting further attacks. Even in the Assembly, Chandrababu lashed out at marshals and claimed he was keeping a “black book” of officers who opposed him.
Lokesh’s Intimidation and Insults
Nara Lokesh, even before assuming power, repeatedly issued veiled threats. In Chittoor (7 August 2023), he made derogatory remarks against SP Rishanth Reddy, stating, “This Lokesh will get an operation done on you and make everything visible.” He went on to mockingly advise the officer to “take off the khaki and wear a blue dress.”
He brandished a symbolic “red book” where he claimed to record names of police personnel, threatening future action. During his father’s arrest, Lokesh used abusive language against officers maintaining law and order.
Other TDP Leaders Join the Chorus
From mocking officers to using crude language in public forums, several TDP leaders have contributed to this hostile rhetoric.
- Achchennaidu (27 January 2023): “Why are you here? To eat sht?”
- Chengalrayudu (20 November 2022): Encouraged supporters to lie in court and falsely accuse police of violence.
- Bonda Uma (26 March 2017): Targeted Transport Commissioner Bala Subrahmanyam.
- Ayyanna Patrudu (16 June 2022): Accused officers of abetting ganja smuggling and insulting bald IPS officers.
- JC Prabhakar Reddy (27 December 2023): Abused and physically attacked an SI.
- Ashok Babu (12 March 2020): Suggested some officers remove their uniform and don YSRCP scarves.
The Khaki Silence Then vs The Hue and Cry Now
Despite the volume and intensity of these earlier comments, police associations and senior officials remained conspicuously silent at the time. There were no condemnations, no official rebuttals. But in the current scenario, with allegations of targeted harassment against YSRCP cadres, the same police force is being accused of overreach, selective action, and partisan behavior.
YS Jagan’s firm stance—“We won’t spare those aiding anarchy”—has drawn criticism from certain quarters in the police, prompting emotional responses. However, many online are questioning the morality of officers lamenting today while ignoring repeated past provocations by TDP leaders.
Vengeance Politics? Targeting of IPS, IAS officers unaddressed
Netizens are also drawing attention to what they see as a systematic campaign of vengeance against top bureaucrats. Since returning to power, the Chandrababu-led coalition has targeted IPS and IAS officers who served under the previous government. Officers like Seetharamanjaneyulu, Vishal Gunni, Kanthi Rana Tata, and Joshua have reportedly faced suspension, legal harassment, and salary disruptions.
Yet, the silence from the police fraternity continues. Not a single statement has been made in defense of these officers. This glaring omission, in contrast to their current vocal responses, has left the public questioning the neutrality of the police force.
Netizens React: “Khaki or Yellow?”
With viral clips of past abuse making the rounds, social media users are demanding accountability. Many are sarcastically suggesting that instead of khaki, officers should wear yellow scarves if they are openly backing the TDP. “If Lokesh could suggest blue uniforms, why not yellow for those serving party interests?” one user quipped.
The overall sentiment: police must function within the boundaries of law, free from political bias, then, now, and always.
