In a startling development from Allagadda, Nandyal district, a new method of revenue generation allegedly adopted by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders has come to light, sparking political controversy and public outrage. What began as a local issue is now raising alarms across Andhra Pradesh, with claims that the chicken trade has become a political cash cow under the guise of party influence and coercion.
The Allagadda Model: Commission over Chicken
Until recently, the concept of political commissions in government contracts and schemes was a known issue. However, TDP leaders in Allagadda appear to have ventured into the poultry market, establishing a monopoly over chicken supply through strong-arm tactics and political pressure.
A woman leader named Ramija, said to be close to TDP MLA Bhuma Akhila Priya, has been accused of threatening local chicken vendors to exclusively purchase from a brand named ‘Bhargava Chicken’, linked to the MLA’s husband, Bhargava Ram. Audio clips of her alleged threats have gone viral, wherein she is heard warning shop owners that their shops would be shut down if they buy chicken from other suppliers.
Inflated Prices and Alleged Profit-Sharing
The most shocking aspect of this controversy is the price manipulation. While the prevailing market rate for chicken is Rs. 180/kg, ‘Bhargava Chicken’ is being sold at a staggering Rs. 240/kg—a difference of Rs. 60. Local sources claim that this additional amount is divided as follows:
Rs. 30 to the MLA
Rs. 10 to Ramija
Rs. 15 to TDP party funds
Rs. 5 to cooperative officials or enablers
This pricing model, if extrapolated, reveals the massive scale of profit:
15,000 kg/day average sales
Rs. 6 lakhs/day in extra income
Rs. 1.8 crore/month
Over Rs. 100 crore in 5 years
Political Expansion of the Model
With such profits at stake, there is growing concern that TDP leaders from other constituencies are eyeing this model. Insiders suggest that leaders from nearby districts are exploring how they too can establish chicken supply monopolies, turning a basic commodity into a high-yield political business.
Protests and Police Inaction
Local vendors who resisted the pressure have taken the issue to the District Superintendent of Police (SP) and other authorities, but as of now, no action has been taken. Instead, vendors claim that TDP workers are actively disrupting shops, forcibly replacing stock with Bhargava Chicken and intimidating dissenters.
This inaction has led to widespread protests by chicken shop owners, who argue that such practices are undemocratic, anti-business, and exploitative of common citizens.
Growing Backlash and Public Outcry
The public is beginning to speak out against what they see as a blatant abuse of political power. Social media is abuzz with hashtags criticizing the extortion-like tactics being used.
