Remember the day when YSR Congress party president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy attended the Nampally criminal courts in Hyderabad?
Jagan, on November 25, 2025, appeared before the Special CBI Court in Nampally in connection with the disproportionate assets case after a gap of six years.
It was just a five-minute ritual, but the kind of show he had put up has baffled political observers.
Jagan arrived at Begumpet Airport from Vijayawada, where he was received by thousands of party leaders and supporters.
All through the route from Begumpet to Nampally court, the YSRCP leaders and cadres created a massive hungama.
Police anticipated heavy mobilisation and deployed substantial security forces at both locations. Traffic diversions were implemented in parts of Begumpet and Nampally to manage the crowds.
Supporters displayed large flex banners and raised slogans of “CM… CM…” and even “Rappa... Rappa...,” while extending a rousing reception to their leader.
The scenes resembled a political rally, with convoy movements, slogan chanting, and organised mobilisation echoing the party’s show-of-strength culture.
Jagan was just a former chief minister and a party president. Yet, his party had given the impression as if he was a freedom fighter facing a trial.
Just compare him with present Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy, who, too had to attend the Special Court for Public Representatives in Nampally in connection with seven cases registered against him during the previous BRS government’s tenure.
The cases primarily relate to alleged violations during political protests and election campaigning, violation of Covid-19 rules etc.
During the preliminary examination, Revanth Reddy denied all allegations and pleaded “not guilty,” maintaining that the cases were politically motivated.
The court recorded his statement and adjourned further hearings to April 8, 9, and 15, depending on the categorisation of the cases.
Notably, despite holding the office of chief minister, Revanth Reddy’s court appearance remained low-profile.
While security arrangements were in place as per protocol, there was no visible mobilisation of party cadres, no public rally-like atmosphere, and no political messaging around the visit.
Revanth Reddy’s visit was procedural and restrained, focused on legal compliance without political mobilisation.
There were no organised gatherings or visible attempts to convert the court appearance into a public show of strength.
On the other hand, Jagan Mohan Reddy’s appearance assumed the character of a political event, marked by large-scale cadre mobilisation, public sloganeering, and significant administrative arrangements to handle the crowds.