Seeking to turn every controversial issue to its political advantage ahead of the assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, the Telugu Desam Party on Tuesday quickly jumped into action to politicise the sacking of Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari from the Andhra team captaincy for the Ranji Trophy.
Hanuma Vihari took to X to blame it on a YSR Congress party leader from Tirupati for bringing pressure on Andhra Cricket Association to sack him from the captaincy because he shouted at the leader’s son for barging into the meeting of the team, despite being not among the squad.
Vihari vowed that he would never play for Andhra ever again and he got the support from various cricketers and other celebrities on twitter.
Taking advantage of it, the TDP alleged that Vihari was systematically abused and harassed by the henchmen of YSRCP president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in the Andhra Pradesh Cricket Association.
The TDP started a campaign on social media with hashtag #WeStandWithHanuma, which trended on X.
TDP president Nara Chandrababu Naidu, his son and party general secretary Nara Lokesh and others supported Vihari and questioned Jagan Reddy's undue political interference.
Lokesh also gave a bumper offer to Vihari.
“We'll roll out a red carpet welcome for Hanuma Vihari and the team in another two months' time.” Lokesh said, condemning the alleged vindictive attitude of the YSRCP government.
He said the TDP, once voted to power, would provide every support needed to win in the Ranji Trophy the next time around.
Former sports minister and TDP politburo member Kollu Ravindra also strongly criticized the YSRCP government for its anarchic treatment of sports persons as well.
He expressed deep disappointment over the way the YSRCP government has tarnished the career of a talented cricket player.