Shame on Rogue MLAs
TDP and Jana Sena MLAs in Andhra Pradesh are functioning like extra-constitutional authorities, taking the law into their own hands and operating with complete impunity. Allegations of land grabbing, illegal sand mining, liquor rackets, extortion, assaults, intimidation, and interference in public institutions have become increasingly common, creating an atmosphere of fear across the state. Critics contend that these actions continue unchecked because of political patronage from the highest levels of the government.
The latest incident involved TDP MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar, who allegedly led supporters to the residence of fellow TDP leader and former Legal Cell Vice Chairman Edupuganti Srinivas after the latter publicly levelled corruption allegations relating to illegal sand excavation, land dealings, and liquor operations. Instead of ordering an impartial inquiry into the allegations, police accompanied the MLA to the site, while Srinivas was subsequently arrested and removed from his party position, raising serious concerns over selective law enforcement and misuse of police machinery.
Critics say the government has created an environment where dissent is suppressed through criminal cases, arrests, and social media censorship, while ruling party leaders accused of serious misconduct continue without accountability. Public meetings are obstructed, opposition leaders face repeated prosecutions, and online criticism is removed through police complaints, creating what many describe as an unprecedented attack on democratic freedoms.
Chintamaneni Prabhakar’s past controversies, including the assault on former MRO Vanajakshi during the 2014–19 period and multiple criminal cases against him, are cited as examples of a continuing pattern of political impunity. Several other MLAs from the ruling alliance have also faced allegations involving assaults, intimidation, sexual harassment, extortion, illegal mining, attacks on journalists, attacks on public servants, land disputes, and violence against political opponents, yet no significant legal action has followed.
The criticism extends beyond individual incidents to what opponents describe as a governance model where law enforcement acts against critics while remaining silent on complaints against those in power. They argue that the state is witnessing the normalization of political violence, intimidation, and selective policing, undermining constitutional institutions and the rule of law. According to critics, the cumulative effect of these incidents has transformed Andhra Pradesh into a climate where fear replaces accountability and political influence overrides democratic safeguards.
