A fresh controversy erupted when Republic TV’s Arnab Goswami openly criticised Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu for what he called “inefficient leadership” during the Indigo crisis that disrupted the travel plans of lakhs across India.
Following this, TDP supporters announced they would boycott Republic TV, something that amused Arnab more than it bothered him.
On his channel, Arnab responded sharply, saying the TDP was angry simply because Republic TV was asking valid and fair questions to a minister.
He stated that such boycotts or bans have “zero impact” on the network and only motivate them to ask tougher questions.
Arnab also added that TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu should tell his party's minister to perform his duties properly.
However, insiders reveal that the real reason for TDP’s displeasure is not Arnab questioning Ram Mohan Naidu but his comments about Nara Lokesh.
During a debate on IndiGo crisis, when a TDP spokesperson said Lokesh was “looking into the matter,” Arnab interrupted and asked, “In what capacity can Nara Lokesh involve himself? What is his connection to civil aviation?”
This reportedly offended party loyalists, triggering the boycott calls against Republic TV.