The ongoing war of words between senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader J.C. Prabhakar Reddy and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Jammalamadugu, C. Adinarayana Reddy, has become a major headache for Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
On Wednesday, Naidu personally intervened by speaking to Adinarayana Reddy, warning him against creating disturbances in the otherwise peaceful Rayalaseema region.
He made it clear that the government would not tolerate ruling party leaders engaging in behavior that disrupts law and order.
The chief minister emphasized that anyone tarnishing the government’s reputation would face strict consequences.
He urged coalition leaders to maintain discipline and instructed officials to act firmly to preserve peace and security.
The dispute between the TDP and BJP, centered on the transportation of ash from the Rayalaseema Thermal Power Plant (RTPP), has become a contentious issue within the coalition.
The rivalry between J.C. Prabhakar Reddy and Adinarayana Reddy has escalated into a prestige battle.
Supporters of both leaders have stubbornly asserted dominance, creating tense situations near the RTPP.
The conflict, which has persisted for two days, required police intervention as neither leader was willing to back down.
The power struggle revolves around transporting free ash from the RTPP, with coalition leaders from Jammalamadugu and Tadipatri vying for control.
The tension heightened when J.C.'s supporters from Tadipatri reportedly headed to the RTPP, prompting heavy police deployment. J.C.’s trucks were stopped by officials, preventing them from loading ash, further intensifying the situation.
Local residents also demanded a share in J.C.’s transportation contract, adding to the friction.
The resulting standoff left the Kadapa-Anantapur border area on edge, with the police on high alert.
Naidu has directed senior officials to ensure law and order is maintained and requested a comprehensive report on the incident.
The actions of coalition leaders have raised concerns about potential financial and reputational losses for the government.
With the chief minister’s intervention and stern warning, it remains to be seen whether the two leaders will step back or continue their rivalry.
Meanwhile, the police remain vigilant to prevent further escalation.